Roma (2018)
Raiting: 
7,8 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Stars: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira and Daniela Demesa
Country: Mexico / United States
Release date: 25 August 2018
Length: 135 minutes
"Roma" (2018), directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a poignant and visually stunning masterpiece that delves into the life of Cleo, a young domestic worker for a middle-class family in the Colonia Roma neighborhood of Mexico City in the early 1970s. Shot in beautiful black and white, the film is a semi-autobiographical take, drawing from Cuarón's own childhood, and serves as a love letter to the women who raised him. Through a series of intimate and intricately detailed scenes, "Roma" explores themes of love, loss, class, and the enduring strength of women.
The narrative primarily follows Cleo, played with grace and depth by Yalitza Aparicio, as she navigates the complexities of her life and work. Cleo is not just a maid but a crucial part of the family's dynamics, sharing in their joys, sorrows, and intimate moments. The family, headed by Sofia and Antonio, is going through a tumultuous period, with Antonio leaving for an extended period under the guise of a work trip, which is later revealed to be an excuse to abandon his family for another woman.
Parallel to the family's struggles, Cleo experiences her own personal turmoil when she discovers she is pregnant after a brief relationship with Fermín, a martial arts enthusiast who quickly abandons her upon hearing the news. Despite the initial shock and Fermín's rejection, Cleo is supported by Sofia and the family, highlighting the complex but enduring bonds between them. However, the societal pressures and the stigmas surrounding unwed mothers in 1970s Mexico add layers of hardship to Cleo's journey.
One of the film's most harrowing sequences occurs when Cleo, accompanied by the family, goes into labor. The hospital scene is a powerful depiction of Cleo's vulnerability and the systemic indifference towards indigenous women like her. In a heartbreakingly quiet moment, Cleo is faced with a devastating loss that shapes her and the family's future.
Amidst personal tragedies, "Roma" also captures the socio-political turmoil of the era, including the Corpus Christi massacre, where student demonstrators were brutally attacked by government forces. Cleo finds herself caught in the chaos, which leads to a tense and emotional reunion with Fermín, further complicating her already tumultuous life.
The film culminates in a family trip to the beach, where Cleo's act of bravery in the face of danger solidifies her indispensable role within the family and brings them closer together, healing some of the wounds they've all endured. This moment, filled with both terror and tenderness, exemplifies the film's exploration of the human condition and the invisible threads that bind us.
"Roma" is not just a narrative about a specific time and place but a universal story of human resilience and empathy. Alfonso Cuarón's meticulous attention to detail, combined with the film's stunning cinematography and compelling performances, makes "Roma" a deeply affecting cinematic experience. It's a film that lingers long after the screen fades to black, inviting viewers to reflect on the nature of memory, family, and the invisible lines that connect our lives.
Top cast - Roma (2018)
Trailer - Roma (2018)
"Roma" (2018), directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a cinematic triumph that stands out not only for its storytelling prowess but also for its breathtaking visual narrative. This deeply personal film, set against the backdrop of early 1970s Mexico City, is both an homage to Cuarón's childhood and a universal tale of human resilience and empathy. Through the life of Cleo, a domestic worker for a middle-class family, "Roma" explores the complexities of love, loss, and social hierarchy with a poignant clarity that resonates deeply with audiences around the world.
Shot entirely in black and white, the film's visual aesthetic is not merely a stylistic choice but a powerful storytelling tool that adds depth and texture to the narrative. Cuarón, who also served as the cinematographer, uses long takes and panoramic shots to immerse the viewer in the world of "Roma", capturing the beauty and brutality of everyday life with equal finesse. The attention to detail in each frame is meticulous, with every scene meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of time and place that is both specific and universal.
Yalitza Aparicio's portrayal of Cleo is nothing short of remarkable. A non-professional actor, Aparicio brings an authenticity and depth to the character that is rare and captivating. Her performance is a testament to Cuarón's directorial prowess, as he guides her through a range of emotions that are as subtle as they are powerful. The supporting cast, too, delivers compelling performances, creating a world that feels lived-in and real, further blurring the lines between the film and reality.
One of "Roma"'s most significant achievements is its ability to weave personal drama with broader social and political themes. The film does not shy away from addressing issues of class, race, and gender, presenting them not as abstract concepts but as integral parts of the characters' lives. The Corpus Christi massacre, for example, is depicted not just as a historical event but as a moment that directly impacts the lives of the characters, highlighting the inextricable link between the personal and the political.
However, it is perhaps in its quietest moments that "Roma" is most powerful. Scenes of daily life, often overlooked in cinema, are given center stage, allowing the audience to find beauty and meaning in the mundane. These moments, combined with the film's more dramatic sequences, create a rich tapestry of human experience that is both specific to its setting and universally relatable.
In conclusion, "Roma" is a masterpiece of modern cinema, a film that manages to be both intimate and epic in its scope. Alfonso Cuarón has crafted a work that is not only visually stunning but also deeply moving, offering a window into the lives of its characters that is both compassionate and unflinching. It is a film that challenges, delights, and ultimately uplifts, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it. "Roma" is not just a movie; it is an experience, one that enriches and expands the viewer's understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.