Country meets city with romantic results in director Roberto Moreira’s engaging sophomore debut. The film focuses on three tenants in an apartment building who are brought together by their trials in love.

Actress Marina moves from the country to the big city, determined to make a life for herself on stage. She leaves her doting boyfriend behind but soon finds distraction from her audition failures with Justine, a volatile musician who plays in a local bar. But she isn’t the only one in the building with romance on the brain.

Flatmate Suzana is in the affectionate crosshairs of her adorable law office co-worker, Gil. When Suzana reveals that she’s a transwoman, their relationship takes a turn for the serious. Their neighbor, Jay, is a writer and a self-proclaimed “voyeur of the night,” looking for love with prostitute Michelle, who won’t give him the time of day.

Moreira’s use of Brazil’s cityscapes creates a vibrant backdrop for the drama of human relationships. Brought together by proximity, the three stories orbit around each other with a well-orchestrated combination of charm and realism. Paulista is a bittersweet love story full of heart.