I’m Still Here Review
There’s something so heartbreaking, yet powerful, when it comes to examining real life events through film. The reason most people watch movies in-person is to have that escape from reality. However, once in a while, such films will come along in order to remind audiences about the issues that troubled us then, now, and forever. One of those films, I’m Still Here, serves that purpose, capturing different parts of one slice of life story that still affects Brazil today. With director Walter Salles‘ personal connection to this story as well, its many parts come together to present real events in a compelling way.
I’m Still Here is based on the real life experience of congressman Rubens Paiva through his wife, Eunice. Set years after the 1964 Brazilian coup d’état, the Paiva family lived a mostly peaceful lifestyle. Over time, as the country undergoes a radical political change, Rubens and his family begin facing harsh challenges. To say that the obstacles that the Palva family confronted were scary is an understatement. In fact, the film adapts these recountings and experiences in a way that perfectly balances the good and bad.
This tonal balance already settles in with its first scene, opening up with the Paivas, a liberal-leaning family, at the beach. There’s something about this introduction and its peacefulness that helps one lean into what to expect. It provides this feeling of calmness as the Paiva children spend time enjoying each other’s company. With the natural dialogue and character-centric camerawork, I’m Still Here slowly builds this undertone of fear that their lives will be up-ended. Given how brutal the dictatorial regime of Brazil was at this time, the cinematography and writing around these brief moments is able to maintain that fear.
When it does get to that point, it never becomes too saddening where it feels overplayed. Rather, it utilizes those most harrowing moments with subtlety to enhance our understanding of the Paiva family’s changing situation. This is especially so when the second act hits, which provides all these too harrowing sequences to watch. Every interrogation moment between Eunice and the police has this dread that continually lingers with each attempt of pressing. Additionally, each shot here involving Eunice and one of her daughters, Eilana, nails how intense this torturous process was conducted. The montage of her time in the army’s prison is somewhat brisk, yet the pain that is felt with each passing shot feels real.
Of course, I’m Still Here incorporates its more lighthearted elements and scenes to show that the Paivas were more than just a family who was victimized. They had an actual normal life with any problems that any family would have and the film captures that snapshot of the Paivas beautifully. The scenes between Eunice and Rubens are particularly sweet as we get to see the two as both parents and a couple. Particularly, there’s a scene where the two are playing a board game and reflecting on the work they’re doing for the family, like with the new house. Another sequence provides this touching moment where the family watches Vera’s tape about her time in London like a movie. It’s the small moments like these that really make I’m Still Here a wonderful film by having those delightful scenes.
All of this probably wouldn’t have been possible without Fernanda Torres‘ performance as Eunice – who just recently picked up the Golden Globe Award for this role (Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Motion Picture). As the matriarch of the Paiva family, Torres inserts this complexity into Eunice as she fully shows her dedication to Rubens and her children. She can go from being a happy and caring mother in one scene to being very cautious, yet resolute, in the next. This is especially so when some men from the army decide to hold the remaining Paivas “hostage” inside their home. Here, Torres really presents Eunice’s fear in a way that’s legitimately palpable as her expressions really convey the pain of her husband possibly never returning. Yet, she radiates with this optimism later that really makes you hope for the best outcome that may never come. Torres’ performance ultimately works for I’m Still Here, which enhances the film overall.
Although, while I’m Still Here is in no doubt an amazing film, some aspects may pull viewers back. Particularly, the transition to the second and final acts could be somewhat slow as the family revels with the regime’s intervention. No doubt, Eunice’s challenge to question the regime by asking her peers to fight with her is a good way to build those stakes. However, the time that it takes within the film itself could’ve been reserved for other scenes, particularly those in the final act. The final act itself has these two time jumps, in 1996 and 2014, which feel short and could’ve used more time in its resolution. Nonetheless, as a whole, every detail and choice in I’m Still Here works in harmony.
I’m Still Here is a powerful and poignant movie that deals with family, politics, and hope in ways that not only honor the Paivas’ true story, but also serves as a way to better understand our world’s present culture. Walter Salles, through his personal point of view, has created an impressive piece of art that holds the potential to inspire more to see life as a double-edged sword.
Audiences need pieces like I’m Still Here not to just better understand our relationships and knowledge of the past, but also how it can give us the steps we need to make a better future.
Rating
★★★★½
I’m Still Here will premiere in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles on January 17, and nationwide on February 14.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.