I’m still here examines a dark time in Brazilian Politics

In the drama "I'm Still Here," directed by Walter Salles and based on a memoir of the same name, the lack of justice permeates the film with a haunting despair. However, Salles deftly counterbalances this with profound humanity, ensuring that the faces of those struggling to survive are etched into our memories. While the unseen horrors of history can perpetuate grave injustices, there is a poetic tragedy in following an individual dedicated to the pursuit of justice, even when it eludes them.

From the outset, we witness Fernanda Torres' Eunice swimming in the waters off the Brazilian coast in 1971. Despite her earnest attempts to build a contented life for herself and her family, we sense a world constricting around her. The film refrains from idealizing Eunice or minimizing the harsh realities she shouldn't have had to endure. Instead, it delicately portrays a life spent fighting for justice after her husband is taken from her.

Debuting at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday, the film focuses on a single family's journey amid a dark period in Brazilian history when a military dictatorship repressed dissent with an iron fist, imprisoning and killing dissidents throughout the 1970s. While introducing us to Eunice and her family, director Salles weaves in moments of joy, highlighting their sense of community with their neighbors and each other.

The movie "I'm Still Here" portrays the unsettling atmosphere of living under repression. Eunice, a woman left alone to raise five children while enduring surveillance, becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her husband's abduction by the military. The film delves into the little details of her life, showcasing the emotional turmoil she experiences.

As misinformation spreads, Eunice struggles to navigate her reality without any support. She remains resilient, putting on a smile for her family portrait despite the sadness lurking beneath the surface. Co-writers Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega handle the unfolding tragedy with care, avoiding exploitative clichés.

The narrative progression of "I'm Still Here" is not linear, reflecting the messiness and unpredictability of life. It highlights the ordinary things Eunice must do to carry on, going beyond neat emotions and narrative boxes. The film also portrays the distinct moments and challenges faced by each of her children, presenting a compassionate character study of a family.

While the film has a couple of significant time jumps that could potentially disrupt the narrative focus, they ultimately provide a fitting closure. The movie emphasizes that the loss Eunice endures spans generations and is part of a larger history being written. It serves as a reminder to remember the stories and experiences of those who have suffered, ensuring that others may never have to endure the same fate.

In the final moments, as the family's photographs and videos resonate in unison, they reveal the faces that held the most profound significance: Eunice and those she cherished deeply.