In Flames (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

In Flames follows João, a quiet 13-year-old whose growing disconnection from the world brings him into therapy. There, he meets Mariana, a woman carrying wounds of her own, and a fragile relationship develops in a story shaped by emotional uncertainty and moments that blur reality.

In Flames is a 2026 Portuguese drama about João, a 13-year-old boy who has begun to withdraw from the world around him. When his difficulties surface at school, his mother is compelled to confront what she has not noticed and seek professional help for him.

Directed by Armik Israyelyan and written by Guto Portugal, the 18-minute film centers on João’s meetings with Mariana, a therapist marked by pain of her own. Its premise suggests an intimate story about disconnection, recognition and a relationship formed in uncertain emotional territory.

In Flames movie details

Story without spoilers

João is quiet and increasingly detached from the people and surroundings in his life. His mother, Luísa, is preoccupied with work and initially misses the extent of his struggles. After his problems become visible at school, she steps in and João is sent to therapy.

There, he meets Mariana, whose own wounds shape the connection that begins to develop between them. The story unfolds through encounters and moments that exist close to the boundary between reality and something less certain, while keeping João’s emotional experience at its center.

What to expect

As a short drama, In Flames is built around a compact emotional premise rather than a broad ensemble or extended storyline. The film focuses on a young person struggling to communicate, a mother forced to pay closer attention, and a therapeutic relationship that gradually takes shape.

The supplied premise also points to an element of ambiguity, with events described as hovering on the edge of reality. Viewers can expect a serious, character-led film concerned with emotional wounds and fragile human connection, without relying on a conventional action-driven structure.

Cast and creative team

Santiago André plays João, the 13-year-old at the center of the story. Teresa Tavares appears as Luísa, his mother, while Ana Moreira plays Mariana, the woman João meets in therapy.

The film is directed by Armik Israyelyan and written by Guto Portugal.

• Santiago André as João
• Teresa Tavares as Luísa
• Ana Moreira as Mariana

Release and production context

In Flames is a Portugal production from Kino Eyes Master. It is listed as a drama with a runtime of 18 minutes. The supplied release date is October 14, 2026, and the film is listed as released. No spoken language is specified in the supplied information.

Production companies: Kino Eyes Master

Reported production figures:
Budget $10,000

Movies Dock view

With its brief runtime and focused premise, In Flames presents a contained story about a boy whose inner difficulties become impossible to overlook. Its emphasis on therapy, family attention and an uncertain boundary between reality and perception gives the film a serious, intimate foundation without revealing how João’s story concludes.

Film data:
TMDB