The Groove Under the Groove
A vibrant Brazilian music documentary tracing Paulinho da Costa’s singular percussion artistry through a lifetime of landmark collaborations.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- reflective
- celebratory
- music appreciation night
- documentary evening
What critics said
The limited available reception data points to strong appreciation for this intimate portrait of a highly influential percussionist.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film centers Paulinho da Costa's unique rhythmic language and his contribution to recorded music.
The overview foregrounds Paulinho da Costa's work with Quincy Jones, George Benson, Ray Parker, Jr., Lalo Schifrin, and Verdine White.
Paulinho da Costa is presented as the most recorded percussionist in music history, with the film exploring his impact through collaborations.
The listed cast includes several legendary musical collaborators alongside Paulinho da Costa.
Films like The Groove Under the Groove, and why
Buena Vista Social Club
Shares a music documentary format, intimate artist portraiture, and emphasis on collaboration with celebrated musicians.
Searching for Sugar Man
Shares a career-focused musician portrait, archival music history, and discovery of an influential but underrecognized artist.
The Wrecking Crew
Shares a behind-the-scenes account of session musicians, studio collaboration, and the hidden labor shaping popular music.
Movie Details
- Director
- Oscar Rodrigues Alves
- Release Date
- 2026-03-06
- Runtime
- 90 min
- Rating
- 8.0 / 10 (1)
Cast
- Paulinho da Costa
- Quincy Jones
- George Benson
- Ray Parker, Jr.
- Lalo Schifrin
- Verdine White
- Maurice White
- will.i.am
- Alcione
- Roberto Carlos
Common questions
- What is The Groove Under the Groove about?
- A vibrant Brazilian music documentary tracing Paulinho da Costa’s singular percussion artistry through a lifetime of landmark collaborations.
- What is The Groove Under the Groove like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Groove Under the Groove as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Groove Under the Groove violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Groove Under the Groove.
- What did critics think of The Groove Under the Groove?
- The limited available reception data points to strong appreciation for this intimate portrait of a highly influential percussionist.
- Which films are like The Groove Under the Groove?
- Films with a similar feel include Buena Vista Social Club, Searching for Sugar Man, and The Wrecking Crew.
- How long is The Groove Under the Groove?
- The Groove Under the Groove runs 90 minutes.
