At a moment in history where developed democracies around the world seem receptive to political candidates with authoritarian tendencies, the story of Rubens and Eunice Paiva feels increasingly relevant. Rubens was a Brazilian politician who was murdered for his opposition to the implementation of military dictatorship in 1968. After his death, Eunice established herself as one of the nation’s most committed human rights activists.
The story of clinging to principles in unimaginably challenging circumstances comes to life in Walter Salles’ new film “I’m Still Here,” which opens in theaters in January 2025. The biopic aims to put Eunice Paiva in the spotlight and shine new light on a dark chapter in South American history.
An official synopsis of the film reads, “Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government.”
“I’m Still Here” premiered at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, where many critics gave high marks to Torres for her portrayal of Paiva.
“Fernanda Torres’ performance as Eunice is every bit as spectacular as her filmography would suggest, having marked herself out as one of the South American continent’s greatest actors in roles in ‘Foreign Land’ (also directed by Salles) and won a Palme d’Or for Best Actress in ‘Love Me Forever of Never,’” Leila Latif wrote in her IndieWire review of the film. “Her Eunice possesses phenomenal strength and stoicism which make each moment of pain that peep through the chinks of her armor all the more moving. Its also, thanks to both her and Mello’s formidable talents, a family whose affection feels lived-in and intimate. Even if this stasis of mourning cannot be fully escaped, the reasons they are able to endure are clear from the many small kindnesses that fill so many of their scenes, a reassuring grip on the shoulder, a borrowed shirt, and space made in the bed beside you for those too afraid to sleep.”
“I’m Still Here” is directed by Walter Salles and written by Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega. In addition to Torres, it stars Selton Mello and Fernanda Montenegro.
A Sony Pictures Classics release, “I’m Still Here” opens in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, January 17. Watch the trailer below.
