On a mild winter’s night shortly before Christmas, spirited septuagenarian Maria Idalina begins the arduous task of ascending five long flights of stairs in a lonely part of Lisbon on her way to dine at a local café. Fortunately, Maria meets a helpful young man new to Portugal, who aides her in her journey. Hand in hand, they begin to climb, and an intriguing conversation ensues. Crisply shot in black and white, director Atsushi Kuwayama’s gorgeous short shows a lot can be packed into an evening stroll. A few steps in, the cheeky Maria has proposed marriage to her slightly bemused assistant. A couple flights later, the pair amiably agrees Portuguese grammar can be difficult. Language and age barriers aside, their conversation yields plenty: a lesson in adoration, a primer on nuns, and a mystery surrounding Maria’s six previous husbands. We’re not quite sure what Maria might say next. If only we could have joined them for dinner.  WFM