Roma (2018)
2018
R
134 Minutes
In 1970s Mexico City, two domestic workers help a mother of four while her husband is away for an extended period of time.
User Review
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Roma ravishingly depicts family and loss from Cuarón's personal perspective. Typically I would wait a few hours to gather my thoughts and write my review. Not this time. There's no need to even doubt the only word that describes this film. Perfection. Absolutely magnificent. There is not a single flaw to be had in this delicately crafted drama. Honestly, I'm slightly overwhelmed with emotions. This is the reason why Alfonso Cuarón is, in my opinion, the greatest director working today. This is why world cinema far exceeds the limitations of Hollywood clichés. This, is pure cinematic bliss. A masterwork in filmmaking. A house maid to a wealthy family soon becomes pregnant and must cope with the responsibility that rapidly approaches. A story primarily focusing on family, thematically conveying unity and faith in times of chaos and conflict. Where both revolutions and arguments are parallels to each other, causing rifts in communities and families. It's a drama entirely focused on a servant who views her employer's family as her own. She's willing to risk her life for them. She looks out for them, cares for them and consistently thinks about them. The inner turmoil which occurs when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant soon manifests into regret, worrying about losing the family she currently has. It's a drama filled with love and tragedy, one that will evoke an array of emotions. Happiness, hatred and sorrow. This plethora allows you to become absorbed in the monochromatic world that Cuarón presents. It transfixes you until the very last scene, pulling you closer word by word. 'Gravity' is my favourite film of all time. Cuarón has had a perfect career. But Roma, well, it might just be his finest work to date. It's a tale filled with personality. You can sense how personal this story meant to him, through his gorgeous editing and cinematography. His childhood memories come to life by utilising captivating camera techniques. Sublime tracking shots, precise panning and his renowned one take scenes. You can't afford to blink. Not even once.
Aparicio's performance should not be missed. Not for one second. Incredibly nuanced yet irrefutably powerful. She brings humanity into her character, creating an achingly beautiful individual in the process. Everything about this drama felt real. No Hollywood clichés, no moments of absurdity. Just sheer visceral drama that captures the equilibrium of what it is to be part of a family. Every shot was mesmerising. Every word spoken waa felt. I just can't. I can't. Seriously shaken to the core with how perfect this film was. There is a moment in this film where conflict breaks out on a street. The proceeding twenty minutes was possibly the most emotionally distressing period of time I've witnessed in film. Ever. Cleo is so well developed that I started to cry during the third act. Yes, there were moments of devastation. But I cried because my passion for film as a medium just took over. I couldn't control myself. Cuarón took every aspect of filmmaking and turned it into a work of cinematic art. He understands film in its entirety. Roma not only gets a perfect rating. Not only does it becomes the best of the year by far. It becomes one of the best films I have ever seen.2 member like this review.
