Review: I'm Still Here

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Official synopsis: A mother (Fernanda Torres) is forced to reinvent herself when her family's life is shattered by an act of arbitrary violence during the tightening grip of a military dictatorship in Brazil, 1971.

Fernanda Torres' win at the Golden Globes earlier this year is a perfect example of how awards can boost a film. Who knows if my theater would've even gotten it without that win and the Oscar nominations to follow. I'm grateful for it. 

What sticks out to me the most was how much this cast FELT like a real family. They had such an easy chemistry with each other you almost forget you're watching a movie. The film spends a good amount of time with them before the forced kidnapping that will eventually occur. We see them enjoying the beach, getting a new dog, sending one daughter off on an adventure to London, it makes what happens to them hit all the harder when their life is suddenly shattered. 

Torres is the glue that holds all of this together. Eunice has to be strong for her family. She has to be the voice for her missing husband, and she still has to raise her kids. It's so much for one woman to bear, but she does. It's a very layered performance.

I wasn't familiar with the very real Paiva family story before watching this, and while it's easy to follow, there were a few times where my mind was wondering because I knew I had to google something later for additional context. That's not the film's fault, but it is something I can't ignore.

I'm Still Here is currently playing in theaters, and I hope it's playing in one near you so you can go out and see it. 

Grade: B+

Comments

  1. BirgitFebruary 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM

    I do want to see this and I had no idea it is based on a true story. I wonder if my city will get this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. thevoid99February 19, 2025 at 1:55 PM

    I really want to see this as I'm often interested in historical time periods. Especially in what was happening in South America during the 1970s where there was a lot of dictatorship and forced disappearances as it is something that is fascinating though disturbing. Even as I feel like we're going to be experiencing that in some way and that is scary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 19, 2025 at 3:50 PM

      Oh I know. It's something I only have surface level knowledge of, but I feel like has been coming up a lot in film recently. It's definitely worth the watch.

      Delete

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