Tanya’s Score: Great*
Rated: MA
Starring: a bunch of unknowns
Plot: The story revolves around Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young maid working for a middle-class family in Mexico City during the 1970s.
Tanya’s Verdict: Shot in black and white, Roma is comprised of one poignant moment strung to the next. While there is no concrete plot line other than a year in the life of main character Cleo, there is conflict and drama and humour and love – all the typical things found within a family. There is a secondary story that comes through – focussing on the struggle of women in relation to their dependence on men. From this viewpoint, both Cleo as well as her employer share a lot in common.
The movie is beautiful to watch as the detailed images tell their own stories – spilled water, airplanes passing through the sky, an exercise pose steadfastly held – they all possess a depth that lingers.
The momentum of Roma continues to tug at you – even long after it ends.
*Four score descriptions: Sh**; Okay; Good; Great