In 1970s Brazil the Paiva family survive under the oppressive military dictatorship, seemingly oblivious to it as they go about their idyllic lives in their house that is practically on the beach in Rio. But that all changes in January 1971, when Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello) is abducted by the military junta. His wife, Eunice (Fernanda Torres), wants answers but instead she is taken, questioned and detained too. She is released 12 days later but there is no sign of Rubens, so she has to look after her five kids and still try to find out what happened to him.
Veteran director Walter Salles’ Oscar nominated movie is based on a true story and adapted by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega from a memoir by Marcelo Paiva, Rubens’ and Eunice’s only son. The events are shown in a matter of fact way, which just heightens their impact. The contrast between the happy, slightly chaotic family home and the grim jail that Eunice suffers in, is a stark one.
As well as a best film nomination, Torres has one for best actress. She is unlikely to win, being third favourite after Mikey Maddison and Demi Moore, but the recognition is thoroughly deserved. You can see pain etched on her face, combined with a growing determination to both keep her family safe and find Rubens. The rest of the cast is solid, with Valentina Herszage, Luiza Kosovski and especially Eliana Barbara Luz as the three eldest daughters all impress.
As a viewer, we are pretty sure Rubens will not be coming back, but, even so, when his fate is sealed, it comes as a gut punch. There too are sequences towards the end of the film set in more modern times, and my only criticism of this excellent drama is that they go on a bit too long. However, as well as a faithful depiction of a historical event, I’m Still Here serves as a reminder to many parts of Europe and the USA what can happen when a country comes under right wing authoritarian rule.
Rating: 9 out of 10