Fenced In

Behind the Laughs: The Making of Fenced In (2022)

Roberto Santucci’s Fenced In (2022) is the latest in a string of Brazilian comedies designed to deliver big laughs with minimal fuss. The film, originally titled Vizinhos ("Neighbors"), reunites Santucci with frequent collaborator Leandro Hassum, a pairing that’s become a reliable draw at the box office. But what’s the story behind this chaotic neighborly feud, latestnetflix.com argues, and how did it come together?

A Director’s Signature Style

Santucci has carved out a niche in Brazil’s comedy scene, specializing in lighthearted, commercially driven films that lean on familiar tropes—think feuding families, absurd misunderstandings, and over-the-top performances. His track record speaks for itself: the director has helmed multiple box office hits in the 2010s, including Till Luck Do Us Part 3 (2015) and Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem (2020), the latter of which shares Fenced In’s knack for holiday-adjacent chaos. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1967, Santucci’s background in editing and producing has given him a sharp eye for pacing, a skill that keeps his comedies from overstaying their welcome—Fenced In clocks in at a brisk 110 minutes.

The film’s premise—neighbors locked in an escalating war of pranks and petty grievances—fits neatly into Santucci’s wheelhouse. It’s a formula that’s worked before, and the trailer suggests he’s sticking to what he knows: broad humor, exaggerated reactions, and a cast that’s game for physical comedy.

The Hassum-Santucci Reunion

Leandro Hassum, Brazil’s reigning comedy king, is the linchpin of Fenced In. The actor has become synonymous with Santucci’s films, their partnership stretching back over a decade. Their first collaboration, Till Luck Do Us Part (2012), was a massive success, and the two have since teamed up on multiple projects, including the 2012 Pânico Jovem Pan segment that showcased their chemistry. Hassum’s ability to balance slapstick with charm makes him the perfect lead for a film like Fenced In, where the humor hinges on his character’s descent into pettiness.

The supporting cast is packed with familiar faces, including Maurício Manfrini, Júlia Rabello, and Marlei Cevada, all of whom have appeared in previous Santucci productions. This isn’t just a creative choice—it’s a business one. Santucci’s films thrive on the comfort of recognizable talent, and Fenced In is no exception. The ensemble’s shared history likely smoothed the production process, allowing for a shorthand that keeps the comedy tight and the energy high.

What We Know (and Don’t Know)

Details about Fenced In’s production are scarce, but a few things are clear:

• Genre and Tone: The film is a straight-up comedy, with no pretensions toward drama or social commentary. The trailer leans into physical humor, sight gags, and rapid-fire insults, suggesting a tone akin to Step Brothers or Neighbors. - Runtime: At 110 minutes, it’s slightly longer than Santucci’s Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem (100 minutes) but shorter than some of his earlier work, like Till Luck Do Us Part 3 (106 minutes). - Original Title: The film was released in Brazil as Vizinhos, a title that leaves little to the imagination about its plot.

What’s missing? There’s no word on the film’s budget, box office performance, or critical reception in the provided evidence. Rumors about on-set antics or improvisation—common in comedy productions—are also absent. If Hassum and Santucci leaned into their usual collaborative style, it’s possible some scenes were shaped by the actors’ instincts, but without confirmation, that remains speculation.

Why This Film Matters

Fenced In might not reinvent the wheel, but that’s not the point. Santucci’s films are designed to be crowd-pleasers, and this one appears to deliver exactly that. The director’s ability to churn out commercially successful comedies has made him a staple of Brazilian cinema, and Fenced In is another entry in his long line of feel-good, laugh-heavy films. For fans of Hassum or Santucci, it’s a safe bet—a chance to see a proven team do what they do best.

That said, the lack of behind-the-scenes details makes it hard to gauge whether Fenced In stands out from the pack. If the trailer is any indication, it’s a solid addition to Santucci’s filmography, but don’t expect surprises. This is comfort food for comedy fans, not a groundbreaking cinematic experience.