In Brasília, the modern capital of Brazil, an anteater is found dead by the side of a road, a boa constrictor wanders across the suburbs, and foxes prowl vacant streets. Meanwhile, in the city zoo—home to hundreds of displaced and rescued wild species—the animals look back at us humans.

A bewitching cross between an eco-horror and a documentary, Ana Vaz’s much-awaited debut feature casts a sensuous spell over the cityscape of Brasília. Threatened by extinction, the secret lives of exotic animals are vividly rendered on expired 16mm, a film stock that also verges on disappearance.