Director
Alfonso Cuarón
(GRAVITY, HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN)

Stars
Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Fernando Grediaga, Jorge Antonio Guerrero, Verónica García and Nancy García

Named after the neighbourhood in Mexico City it is set, ROMA is a semi-biographical journey into the upbringing of writer and director Alfonso Cuarón. According to Cuarón, who also produces and is cinematographer, about 90% of the scenes represented in the film are sourced directly from his own memories. Taking place in the early 1970s, ROMA’s prominent character is Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a hard-working, obedient and extremely caring live-in housekeeper who is employed by middle-class family, Antonio (Fernando Grediaga), his wife Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and Sofia’s mother Teresa (Verónica García). Cleo, and a second live-in housemaid, Adela (Nancy García) also manage all parenting duties of Antonio and Sofia’s three young children.

To put it simply, Mexico’s official submission for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2019 Academy Awards is a stunning piece of cinema from Alfonso Cuarón that is guaranteed to be one of next year’s nominees.

First and foremost, ROMA is an extremely authentic movie that is largely shot on location and effortlessly transports viewers to the era it beautifully re-creates. This Golden Lion Winner at the 75th Venice Film Festival is required to overcome a slower start that does take time to build a discernible plot trajectory. Those of you who are prepared to be patient with this, as well as some drawn-out scenes throughout, will undoubtedly fall under the irresistibly immersive spell cast by Cuarón. Beginning with the gorgeous black and white cinematography that consists of many wide shots and slow panning over a single scene. This mastery behind the camera from Alfonso Cuarón takes in every detail of the visually meticulous production he has crafted. It’s the type of experience that can only be seen to be fully grasped. As for the story, this begins to build momentum once some significant developments occur in the lives of its main characters. ROMA’s narrative is an exploration into Mexico’s social hierarchy at that time and also features a political angle that is broadly compelling. There are two extended sequences in particular that are so genuinely and powerfully depicted, you will never forget them. Amazingly, almost the entire cast have no previous acting experience, yet are excellent, led by an outstanding performance from first-time actress Yalitza Aparicio.

From start to end, it is evident you are witnessing an utterly personal film from Alfonso Cuarón that has been made with true love and deep sincerity. Highly recommended.

4 ½ stars 

Viewer Discretion
TBC

Trailer
ROMA

Moviedoc thanks Palace, Asha Holmes Publicity and the 2018 Cine Latino Film Festival for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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