‘I’m Still Here’ Review: The Unexpected Film Of The Year

I’m Still Here became a must-watch after being nominated for Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards. With this, the film secured two other nominations: Lead Actress for Fernanda Torres’ performance and Best International Picture. The film follows the Pavia family living in Rio de Janeiro in the early 1970s. During this time, Brazil was under a ruthless military dictatorship that ended up tearing the family apart. Eunice Pavia is the matriarch of the family and is left to mend the pieces after her husband disappears.

I’m Still Here is a deep dive into the resilience of a woman grappling with the challenge of searching for closure while shielding her younger children from the reality of the situation. Read our full review of I’m Still Here below. 

This review contains spoilers for I’m Still Here. 

Though I’m Still Here takes place in the 1970’s, it is a timeless tale. The film is essentially a story of resilience and justice. The Pavia family is targeted by the dictatorship because they criticize it. Labeled as a communist for having their own opinions. The film is, in some ways, a tragedy, but it really ends up being a film about overcoming. I found the end of the films to be extremely empowering. The last half of the film is Eunice trying to make sense of what happened to her husband. There is a beautiful line by Eunice after a reporter asks if searching for closure for something that happened years ago is worth it. What Eunice says speaks to what true justice is. It is a powerful moment that will stick with you for weeks after watching. The film as a whole succeeds in explaining why this is such an injustice and why we should care. 

The true genius of I’m Still Here relies completely on the performance of Fernanda Torres. Torres devours every inch of the screen. It is one of those performances that remind you how important it is to have such a powerhouse at the helm. The film would not work without her, even if it forced Torres to go to some staggering places. It is a tragedy how government corruption can infiltrate and ruin the lives of free-thinking citizens who are just living their lives. The film starts and ends with hope, and Torres takes you along with every expression. Even in the darkest moments, Fernanda Torres adds a nuance that captures how one would truly react to being in this situation. In some moments, guarded and cold, then in others, broken and emotionally beaten. The entire film is on Torres’s shoulders, and she takes that challenge and turns in one of the best performances of the year. 

I’m Still Here is nearly picture-perfect, with the only negatives being small and mostly insignificant. At some times, the film did feel long. Especially near the end, though, as the credits rolled, it felt like each piece was necessary. I felt like there were many different stopping points that ended up just leading to a new ending. It is a big story that spans almost fifty years, but I do find myself noticing moments that could have been cut. It might just speak to how exceptional the first three-fourths of this movie is. Other than this tiny nitpick, there is really nothing else wrong with the film. Every ounce of praise this has garnered is deserved. In fact, after seeing the film, I found it outrageous that it was left out of so many other categories at the Oscars. Its screenplay is flawless, the cinematography is stunning, and I think the director, Walter Salles, deserved more attention for his direction. 

Like many people, on Oscars night, I will be rooting for this underdog. The real magic of I’m Still Here is how it stays with you. I have found myself thinking of this film more than I thought I would, all due to Fernanda Torres and the relevance of the subject matter. If you have still not given this film a chance, I beg you to make time for it. It is definitely a highlight of not just the Oscar nominees but of any 2024 release. 

‘I’m Still Here’ was directed by Walter Salles and stars Fernanda Torres. The film is nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. I’m Still Here was given a theatrical release in the US on February 7th.

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