Roma
dir. Alfonso Cuarón · 2018
The experience of being alive is shaped by the quiet struggles and resilience of those who often go unnoticed in the lives of others.
Feature
Class Warfare
Mood
Contemplative / Melancholic
Look
rich black-and-white cinematography with meticulous composition
Structure
episodic vignettes revealing character depth and emotional resonance
Plot
In 1970s Mexico City, two domestic workers help a mother of four while her husband is away for an extended period of time.
Why watch
"Roma" is a masterful exploration of domestic life set against the backdrop of political turmoil, offering a poignant, intimate look at the lives of women whose stories are often overlooked. With its striking black-and-white visuals and deeply felt emotional currents, it invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of class, family, and identity in 1970s Mexico City.
Talking points
- the intersection of class and personal identity
- the role of domestic workers in society
- motherhood and sacrifice
- the impact of political context on personal lives
Cultural context
1970s Mexican societal structuresthe role of women in domestic spacesclass dynamics in urban settingspolitical upheaval in Latin America