ROMA (2018)

‘Roma’ is a 2018 drama film directed, written, and produced by Alfonso Cuarón. Set in the early 1970s, it takes a deeply personal and reflective look at life in Mexico City. The story centers on Cleo (played by Yalitza Aparicio), a young indigenous woman who works as a live-in maid and nanny for a middle-class family. The family consists of Sofia (Marina de Tavira), her husband Antonio (Fernando Grediaga), and their four children: Toño (Diego Cortina Autrey), Paco (Carlos Peralta), Sofi (Daniela Demesa), and Pepe (Marco Graf). The family’s home is in the Colonia Roma neighborhood, giving the film its title.

As the film unfolds, Antonio leaves for a work trip and eventually abandons the family, leaving Sofia to grapple with the emotional and financial fallout. Meanwhile, Cleo discovers she is pregnant after a brief relationship with Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), a martial arts enthusiast who later rejects her and denies paternity. Despite her struggles, Cleo remains devoted to the family, caring for the children and supporting Sofia through her marital crisis.

Cuarón masterfully intertwines Cleo’s personal journey with the larger social and political unrest of the time, such as the Corpus Christi massacre, in which student protestors were violently attacked by the military. Cleo’s pregnancy and her bond with the family are central to the narrative, leading to a harrowing scene where she experiences complications and gives birth to a stillborn child.

The film’s climax features a dramatic sequence at a beach where Cleo, despite not being able to swim, rescues Sofia’s children from drowning. This act of bravery solidifies her integral role in the family’s life. The film closes on a note of resilience and continuity as Cleo returns to her duties, underscoring the cyclical nature of life and the strength of familial bonds.

“Roma” is notable for its black-and-white cinematography, long takes, and meticulous attention to detail, creating a vivid, immersive experience that evokes a strong sense of time and place. 

The film received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including three Academy Awards: Best Director for Alfonso Cuarón, Best Foreign Language Film, and Best Cinematography. “Roma” is a poignant, visually stunning tribute to the women who shaped Cuarón’s early life and a powerful exploration of class, race, and family in Mexico.