This movie struck me on so many levels: technical, performance, and personal. Salles' storytelling is brutally honest and straightforward. Don’t expect melodrama or indulgence—you’ll watch characters as real as they come. The cinematography and period recreation are remarkable, instantly transporting you to the timeframe and environment.
Fernanda Torres delivers a masterclass in understated performance. Her portrayal of Eunice Paiva feels incredibly raw and authentic, as if we are witnessing a real person grappling with overwhelming emotions. In one unforgettable scene, after days of interrogation and torture, Eunice returns home to find her kids alone. Before addressing anything else, she takes a shower. Torres’ restraint allows Eunice’s inner turmoil to simmer beneath the surface, making her struggles all the more poignant.
It’s a sobering reminder of a time of oppression and disregard for basic human rights—a time I hope never returns.