The tragedy of Scheherazade, which has formed the framework of the stories, finally coalesces to create possibly the most affecting section of all three volumes. She wanders her kingdom, enjoying its beauty for perhaps the last time, while DoP Sayombhu Mukdeeprom reflects this with gloriously sun-drenched cinematography.

The ‘Chaffinch’ sequence which follows is a frustrating diversion that long outstays its welcome, quickly becoming the most boring story of the trilogy.

Gomes abandons the nuance of previous volumes in a failed attempt to tell several stories at once. It’s a shame that such an intriguing project finishes on such a flat note.

Volume 3‘s lack of coherence act as the trilogy’s biggest flaw. For all Gomes’s skill, the conviction remains that a single, more focused film would be a more compelling prospect.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Crista Alfaiate, Américo Silva, Amar Bounachada, Lionel Franc, Carloto Cotta

DIRECTOR: Miguel Gomes

WRITERS: Miguel Gomes, Telmo Churro, Mariana Ricardo

SYNOPSIS: Taking inspiration from Arabian Nights, director Miguel Gomes depicts the financial austerity and social ruin of modern Portugal.