#REVIEW: “THE SECOND MOTHER”

Sundance darling The Second Mother has come to Canada. The Brazilian Film tells the tale of a mother and her daughter struggling through a social divide. Regina Casé plays Val, a live-in maid to a pair of pampered parents and their charming son Fabinho. Long ago, Val felt herself forced into sending her daughter away to be brought up in a better situation than her own, but the chick has come home to roost.

Camila Márdila plays Jéssica, Val’s estranged daughter. Unexpectedly Jéssica informs Val that she will be returning to São Paulo in an effort to study Architecture at USP. What ensues between the two women is as comedic as it is discomforting. Val feels Jéssica is unnecessarily entitled, prancing about her employer’s home as though she too has come from privilege. Jéssica in turn is overwhelmed by the expectations her mother places on her. Frustrated that Val would subject them to the poor treatment of the upper class.

Written and directed by Anna Muylaert, The Second Mother is both enlightening and hilarious, a charming combination no doubt… like the actresses who lead it. For those of you not flustered by sub-titles and eager for something different, The Second Mother is worthy of your time and money. Saddle-up Movie Lovers, this cinematic summer continues with The Second Mother, in theatres now via Soda Pictures in select cities.