Fernanda Torres and Willem Dafoe star in Bárbara Paz's dystopia about 'market of affections'

Fernanda Torres and Willem Dafoe will be in Bárbara Paz's new film, 'Cuddle; feature is co-produced by TV Globo
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Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres and American actor Willem Dafoe will be the protagonists of "Cuddle", the next feature film directed by Bárbara Paz.
Described as a dystopian drama, the project is produced by Conspiração Filmes and is co-produced by TV Globo, BP Produções, Buena Vista International, VideoFilmes (by Walter and João Moreira Salles) and Infinity Hill.
The information was revealed by the American magazine Variety, which interviewed the CEO of Conspiração, Renata Brandão, during the Cannes Festival.
Synopsis
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Set in a metropolis in the near future where intimacy has become a commodity, the plot follows Dante (Dafoe), a professional paid to provide hugs, comfort and human connection to strangers.
His routine changes when he meets Ava (Torres), an immigrant whose silent strength and deep empathy trigger a mutual transformation.
Director talks about production
In a post on social media, director Bárbara Paz detailed the psychological atmosphere of the production.
"On this long journey into the night, our Cuddle is born to embrace everyone. As a reflection of our contemporary world - in a place where people are increasingly lonely, affection has become fiber optics. Love through Wi-Fi connections", wrote the filmmaker.
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The director also gave more details about the protagonist played by Willem Dafoe.
In the plot, the character Dante serves from emotionally fragile clients to people overwhelmed by everyday life, who seek platonic comfort in an environment where affection has become rare and transactional.
Behind his calm facade, Dante secretly deals with loneliness and dependence on painkillers, with his dog as his only constant companion, until an unexpected encounter changes his routine.
Barbara Paz on the red carpet of the 21st Brazilian Cinema Grand Prix
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Partnership between Paz and Dafoe is not new
The project marks the artistic reunion between Willem Dafoe and Bárbara Paz.
The American actor starred in "My Hindu Friend" (2015), the last film by filmmaker Hector Babenco (1946-2016), to whom Bárbara was married and in whose work she also acted.
Subsequently, Dafoe signed as associate producer of "Babenco - Someone Has to Listen to the Heart and Say: It Stopped" (2019), a documentary directed by Bárbara that won the award for Best Documentary at the Venice Film Festival and represented Brazil in the Oscar race.
Willem Dafoe plays the mad scientist Godwin Baxter in 'Poor Creatures'
Disclosure
Fernanda Torres after 'I'm Still Aqui'
Fernanda Torres takes on the role after a historic awards season for "I'm Still Here" (2024), a drama by Walter Salles that earned the actress a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 2025, in addition to the film winning the statuette for Best International Film.
"Cuddle" is executive produced by Phin Glynn and Delfina Montecchia, with production by Renata Brandão, Juliana Capelini, Bárbara Paz, Axel Kuschevatzky, Cindy Teperman and Maria Carlota Bruno.

Source: G1