The Second Mother

Contradictions are the order of the day in Anna Muylaert's subversive yet heartwarming The Second Mother. The tone is a deft balance between class drama and gentle comedy, while tradition and progress push and pull ceaselessly at its centre. The biggest of all is encapsulated in Val (wonderfully portrayed by Regina Casé), a strong, independent protagonist whose sacrifices uphold a status quo that provides a roof over her head, but equally acts as a ceiling to keep her in her place.

Respectful of the family that employ her as a live-in maid, and adored by their son – hence the title – Val's life is shaken up when her smart, and equally smart-mouthed, daughter, Jessica (Camila Márdila), arrives in town and refuses to abide by the unspoken rules. The action is deliberately paced and unfolds in languorous compositions that take their time to observe Val's rhythms and idiosyncrasies. Casé's performance is that of a dutiful maid and doting mother – as submissive as she is assertive – and as Jessica becomes the catalyst for changes to the household dynamic, Val's is a moving story of personal and private triumphs. It's a joy to watch. [Ben Nicholson]