Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong female lead in powerful Brazilian political drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
I'm Still Here
What's the Story?
Set in Brazil in 1970, amid a military dictatorship, I'M STILL HERE tells the true story of Eunice Paiva (Fernanda Torres), who finds herself at the heart of a political storm when her husband, outspoken former congressman Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), is taken away by the government, leaving her and their five children behind. With no idea of where he's been taken, Eunice must fight to uncover the truth behind her husband's disappearance.
Is It Any Good?
Brazilian actor Torres delivers a tour-de-force performance worthy of the extraordinary Eunice Paiva, the central figure in this impressive drama based on real events. I'm Still Here marks the return of Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles and has received numerous awards, with the film and Torres nominated for Best Picture and Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Torres brings deep complexity and nuance to the role of a woman whose life is upended when her husband is abducted by the right-wing military dictatorship that ruled Brazil during the 1970s. The film can be divided into three parts. The early stages have a beautiful energy, as Eunice, Rubens, and their five children laugh and dance together, set against an excellent soundtrack. Tragedy soon strikes, leading to a dark, tense middle act that defines the film. The final act, which shifts to 1996 and then 2014, is the film's weakest and arguably could have been cut entirely. However, this doesn't diminish what came before in an accomplished film that will linger long in the memory.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Eunice Paiva in I'm Still Here. What character strengths did she display? Would you describe her as a positive role model? Why, or why not? What makes a good role model?
Discuss the film's violence. It was often implied rather than shown. Did this change the impact? Why, or why not? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Did you know much about this period of Brazil's history? Did anything surprise or shock you? Has it inspired you to learn more about it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 17, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2025
- Cast : Fernanda Torres , Selton Mello , Fernanda Montenegro
- Director : Walter Salles
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 137 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content, some strong language, drug use, smoking and brief nudity
- Awards : Academy Award - Best Picture Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 22, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate