I’m Still Here is a breathtaking portrait of a true story. It is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Best International Feature Film and Best Picture. Its representation of creating meaning during a harsh time goes a long way. Directed by Walter Salles, his direction can be placed in the class of an auteur with I’m Still Here. The theme of livelihoods and lifestyles of people being disrupted because of a dictatorship creates the atmosphere with the continued vein of remaining close to the ones we love the most.

It is a combined docudrama, period drama, political drama, and biography. The genres “period” and “political” are the two that tango in a magnificent style in I’m Still Here. The film takes its audience to Rio de Janeiro in 1971 with the story going in the direction of the life of Eunice Paiva (played by Fernando Torres). She is one with a big family and tries to live happily with her husband and their many children. Her husband is Rubens Paiva (played by Selton Mello). They try to maintain their family life and stay the course; however, the lives of the family members are changed forever when Rubens is taken from their home. His disappearance is due to a military dictatorship and many political factors that are unforeseen. This puts Eunice and her children onto a path that will alter their lives forever.

The film keeps its tone of sticking together to be fearless. The performance of Torres makes her the champion of the story’s consistent persistence to be the strong one for her children. While questions that are unanswered keep spinning her family in circles, she does not quit. The incident that set the events in motion was the kidnapping of a Swiss ambassador. Politics keep swerving, creating an inevitable pattern. I’m Still Here is a journey of courage. The writing and foundation of family fuel the film’s true narrative to a level that is breathtaking.

The era of politics hitting plateaus and impacting families delivers a presentation that hits the emotional tracks hard. I’m Still Here travels through decades with Eunice and her family as they navigate this journey and create new lives in the wake of Rubens being taken from them. This is what leads Eunice to become a lawyer and activist. The turmoil of the government presents hardship but also an opportunity for her to thrive and fight for the hard matters that impact her life and the lives of others. I’m Still Here carries that aspect of never giving up, and truly putting forth what is right for a better life ahead.

What came to my mind throughout this real-life ride was how itstangos with answers not unfolding. The idea that confidentiality serves as a liability. Common ground is practically impossible, and it is not the way for Eunice, being the warrior for her family. It is just her, and with her husband being taken away, the situation is in her hands. How long though, until there can be peace in I’m Still Here?

The fate of the film lies within many elements. They range from sacrifice to turmoil and the search for answers. They create a landscape that feels like a cinematic jolt. The pacing continues with the government and politics intertwining, and that is the struggle for Eunice. Torres is ambitious and not a quitter in her role as Eunice. It is Oscar-worthy. The whole film is “Oscar-worthy!” Four out of four stars.