A military dictatorship overthrew a democratically elected regime in Brazil in 1964 and stayed in power for 21 years.
During that time, more than 20,000 people were killed, tortured or went missing.
The gritty, naturalist drama I’m Still Here is the story of one such family.
It is 1970 in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite the political situation, or perhaps because of it, the Paivas’ – father Rubens, mother Eunice and their five children – have an open door policy.
With plans to build their own home, they have live-in help and rent a house by the beach, where friends are always dropping in.
Married for 18 years, Rubens and Eunice have a good relationship with their children.
Rubens is an engineer and former congressman.
One day, several shadowy figures working with the military junta arrive unannounced and take Rubens away.
At the time Rubens and Eunice have sent their eldest child – daughter Vera – who is due to start college the following year, to London. However, the four others remain with them.
As time ticks by with no sign of Rubens’ return, Eunice becomes increasingly worried.
Then, Eunice and one of her daughters are also loaded into a police car and taken away for interrogation.
For Eunice, this becomes an extended ordeal in captivity.
Nothing will ever be the same again.
Based on Ruebens and Eunice’s son, Marcelo Rubens Paiva's, book (published in 2015) about his parents, the screenplay is by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega. Marcelo also provided his personal insights.
Director Walter Salles knew and interacted with the Paivas family, spending part of his adolescence in the house that is central to the film.
He has used 35mm and Super 8 imagery to give the story authenticity and it works particularly well.
I got a real taste and feel of the times.
The cinematography and production design are outstanding.
The harrowing story unfolds in three time frames, with the lion’s share set when and where Rubens is taken.
While I’m Still Here is a personal tale, it is also a reflection of a nation in turmoil, living in fear.
Fernanda Torres is spectacular as Eunice, her shifts in mood and demeanour being central to the effectiveness of this production.
She is stoic, resilient and determined, in short a pillar of strength while trying to come to terms with what has happened and is happening.
Selton Mello, as Rubens, presents as a loving and caring family man, naïvely thinking the harsh realities will pass sooner rather than later.
Not for naught did I’m Still Here become the first Brazilian film to be nominated for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars.
It also received nominations for Best International Feature and Best Actress for Fernanda Torres.
It is a film easy to become invested in because it is slice of life reality writ large.
Rated M, it scores and 8½ out of 10.
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