It’s hard to believe I just finished watching a film from South America! This isn't about doubts regarding the language or culture used in the production; rather, the core storyline is something anyone can connect with. No matter where you come from, the plot will feel familiar – that classic dynamic between an employer and employee, filled with jealousy, power struggles, and other differences that become fascinating after a surprising event occurs. Don't go into this expecting a revenge story, but rather a detailed look at the everyday life of a domestic worker. It’s a beautiful drama punctuated by occasional dark humor. Honestly, I wasn't anticipating it being so good, especially considering it didn't secure a spot among the Academy Award nominees. In fact, this was Brazil's submission for the 2016 Oscars. The story centers on Val, a live-in housemaid who chose that path to provide a better life for her daughter, Jessica. However, things shift when Jessica decides to join her mother in Sao Paulo to pursue higher education, throwing the household into disarray due to the generational and professional differences. The opening is understated, depicting Val’s daily routine. This initial section is calm, introducing everything without unnecessary complexity, particularly considering how the narrative unfolds later on. The film also examines every detail closely—for example, how a maid behaves when her employer isn't present, their individual relationships with everyone in the house including other staff members and their personal desires. > "She looks at everything. Looks like the president." Trust me, if you’ve experienced something similar, you might start to re-evaluate past incidents, wondering about the truth behind them. It’s not about assigning blame, but recognizing that sometimes we overlook our shared humanity beyond superficial distinctions like social standing. That's where this film truly resonates and can prompt regret if you've ever acted inappropriately without realizing it. It stands apart from other films in its genre. The only slight departure is what makes it so special. Also, it isn’t a slow or dull drama; the pacing is consistent but engaging, often prompting viewers to anticipate what will happen next, and there's even a small twist at the conclusion. While the ending might not have been as impactful as some would prefer, it felt like the most appropriate resolution after the story took an unexpected turn in its final act. I don’t know the actors or filmmakers involved, but the direction was excellent alongside the cast’s performances. Thankfully, it avoids becoming another overly sentimental drama about a struggling servant or a problematic relationship between a mother and daughter. It feels very relatable—something you already understand, yet experience for the first time through film. The balance of everything is what truly shines. Approximately 80% of the movie was filmed in a single location – a house – with occasional exterior shots as needed by the story. The Oscars may have passed it over because there are only five slots available and they found five others deemed more worthy, but that shouldn't be reason enough to skip this touching film from the country hosting the next Olympic games. I see parallels between this film and 'Ida'; while 'Ida' portrays a nun’s spiritual journey before taking vows, here a maid recognizes her mistakes as a mother and resolves to correct them by not repeating those errors. It’s a movie that would be wonderful to watch with family—perhaps even inviting your housekeeper along could strengthen bonds. Definitely recommended; it’s a highly recommended film for a weekend gathering. 8/10

Source on TMDB