I'm Still Here (2024)

Not to mince words I’M   STILL HERE is one of the very best films of the year. I’m talking about top five best of the year sort of film.

Based on  a true story it tells the tale of a former Brazilian legislator who was voted out around the time of a military coup. As he adjusts to civilian life the military tightens its grip and is watching those they consider enemies. When the legislator is asked to come in for a statement he disappears leaving his family to find answers and carry on.

I can’t say enough good things about this film the cast, especially Fernanda Torres, is stellar. The sense of place and construction of the tale is spot on. This is a nigh perfect film.

What I love about this film is something that other films about missing loved ones never do, and that is to have us spend time with the person the family is going to lose. In this case the third of the film is almost entirely focused in him. We get to know him and enjoy his company to the point when he disappears we feel it as much as everyone on screen. That may not sound like much but it’s a move that lifts this film into the stratosphere.

This film will rock your world.

I find it interesting that when the fil originally played the New York Film Festival people were quietly talking about the film and how good it was, but now as the film is in theaters for the awards push and more people are seeing it the quiet talk has turned into a loud din and people are talking about it with an excitement that is rare. I was recently at a couple of press screenings where the pre- screening talk became animated  when this film was mentioned.

This is one of the very best films you will see all year and a must see for anyone who loves good films.