Que Horas Ela Volta? (2015)

Que Horas Ela Volta? (The Second Mother) is a 2015 Brazilian drama film directed by Anna Muylaert. The film follows the story of Val, a live-in housekeeper who has been working for a wealthy family in São Paulo for over a decade. When Val’s estranged daughter, Jessica, comes to stay with her in the family’s home, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, challenging the status quo and disrupting the power dynamics of the household.

Review:

Que Horas Ela Volta? is a deeply affecting and insightful film that examines the complexities of class, family, and motherhood in contemporary Brazil. The film’s strength lies in its honest and nuanced portrayal of the relationships between the characters, and its exploration of the ways in which the social and economic inequalities of Brazilian society impact these relationships.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly those of Regina Casé, who portrays Val with a depth of emotion and complexity that is both subtle and powerful. The film’s pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and the world they inhabit.

The film’s exploration of the power dynamics of the household is particularly notable, as it reveals the ways in which the wealthy family’s privilege and entitlement are rooted in the exploitation and subjugation of Val and other domestic workers like her. The film also examines the complexities of motherhood, and the ways in which mothers can both support and undermine their children’s aspirations and dreams.

Overall, Que Horas Ela Volta? is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to question the status quo and to examine the ways in which inequality and oppression are perpetuated in society.

Awards:

Que Horas Ela Volta? received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, and the Best Actress award for Regina Casé at the 2015 Lima Latin American Film Festival. The film was also nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film.