Starting with a passionate kiss, a techno version of "Moon River" and a car crash, and ending with one of the most shocking sex scenes in recent memory, this second feature by the brazenly talented Portuguese director of O Fantasma plumbs the depths of romantic obsession.

When Pedro is killed in an accident on the eve of his and handsome young bartender Rui's anniversary, Rui sinks into suicidal despair that no amount of sauna cruis­ing alleviates. Meanwhile, a psychologically disturbed temptress, Odete, gives her noncommittal boyfriend (one of many male characters in the film at ease with nudity) the heave-ho and fixates on Pedro, going so far as to writhe on top of his gravestone. Telling Pedro's mother that she is carrying her deceased son's baby, Odete man­ifests a mysterious pregnancy, taunts Rui with late-night phone calls and eventually loses all sense of seif as she takes over Pedro's wardrobe, haircut and personality. Rui's reactions to Odete's bizarre behavior leads to a truly transgressive climax, presided over by Pedro's ghost.

With a cool eye and a unique understanding of the hold placed on the living by the dead, Rodrigues observes but never judges Rui and Odete even as their actions become increasingly irrational. Driven by an eclectic soundtrack featuring Bright Eyes, a muzak version of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," and Holly Golightly's signature tune, Two Drifters is an edgy ode to dreammakers and heartbreakers.