I have never seen a more heartfelt slice-of-life film than Alfonso Cuarón's newest masterpiece and I am devastated that I was not able to catch this in theaters before it hit Netflix. Roma is an incredibly well-made movie about a young, Mexican housekeeper living with a white family in Mexico City during the political struggles of the early 1970s. Touching performances and an often heartbreaking narrative make this movie one of the most human experiences to see on screen in a long time. Paired with beautiful 65 mm black and white cinematography, Cuarón's newest has become one of my absolute favorites.
Alfonso Cuarón wrote, directed, produced, shot, and edited this film. If just that fact does not make you believe the amount of beautiful passion that was put into this movie, then I'm not sure what else would. Cuarón is very masterful when it comes to his writing, especially since this film is semi-autobiographical. In an interview, he had stated that the main character Cleo, played by Yalitza Aparicio, was based on his housekeeper as a young child growing up in Mexico City. It was a very moving yet poignant choice to base his life story, more or less, through the lens of another. Cleo's story throughout this film brings on just about every emotion possible. From her satisfactory days working for the family to her own personal ups and downs, her story throughout the year-long course of this film was amazing to see unfold. Cleo was portrayed excellently by Aparicio, as she really embodied the struggles and joys that occurred to her while working for this family. Cuarón's cinematography definitely helped this often melancholic performance as well. Almost this entire film is done in very long, extended shots with amazing staging and flow of the story. As the camera moved, the story seemed to also move along with it. This also made way for the incredible set design throughout each location. Cuarón's actual furniture and settings from his childhood were used in this film, which painted a very realistic picture of his early life.
The writing in this film is its strongest and most human aspect. Cuarón is able to take the audience into his world growing up and really make them feel as if they have been a part of his family. However, the most overarching theme that could really latch itself on to this whole cast of characters is contrast. Particularly in regards to Cleo, contrast is what defines her narrative throughout this film. Besides the obvious contrast of being a housekeeper for the more privileged white family that she works for, Cleo's biggest arc includes finding out that she's pregnant by her friend Fermín, played by Jorge Antonio Guerrero. While shopping for a baby crib, there was a violent protest happening outside; this entire scene was masterfully executed, especially since Fermín was one of the fighters that eventually pointed a gun to the women of the store. After Cleo had unfortunately lost her baby during birth in a massively heart-shattering scene, she and the family went on a small vacation, where more contrast was shown between Cleo's depressive episode and the family's splendid getaway. The one shot, shown on the poster, with the family cradling Cleo in their arms, praising her with love, really got to me. After all she had gone through, it was nice to see her wrapped up in the arms of the people who loved and supported her the most.
Roma's dynamics between women were very interesting as well. Cleo and her cousin were the main housekeepers for this family and their relationship was not only sweet but at times brought some much-needed light humor to the story. My favorite developed relationship, however, was between Cleo and the mother Sofía, played by Marina de Tavira. Even more contrast between these two was shown in their relationships with men. As the father of the family left them without any support, Cleo's boyfriend took a drastic turn as well. The major difference between the two, though, was that Cleo never gave up hope that Fermín would be a supportive father. Sofía had accepted her husband's departure and this led to a fantastic shared dialogue scene between her and Cleo in the family's garage. Through these themes of contrast and the relationships brought about, Cuarón has nailed this film's writing with a sense of melancholic yet glorious hope.
Roma might be Alfonso Cuarón's greatest film yet, but not just because of his intimate connection with its story. The way the film is shot and the way the characters are developed makes this movie intimate for anyone. I adore the passion every cast and crew member put into the making of this film and how its warming story truly brings in anyone that has ever felt left out or abandoned. Cuarón made this movie feel like home.
My Rating: ★★★★
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