Miss Happy

Val, a hardworking single mother from the interior of Brazil, moves to São Paulo to provide a better future for her daughter, Jéssica. She works as a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family, and while her relationship with her employers is generally good, her daughter's arrival to pursue her own university dreams brings unexpected challenges. Tensions rise as Jéssica's independent spirit clashes with the established social dynamics and her mother's deferential role.

Anna Muylaert's "Miss Happy" (original title: "Que Horas Ela Volta?") was met with widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of class, race, and family dynamics in contemporary Brazil. Critics lauded its sharp social commentary, compelling performances, particularly from Regina Casé, and its ability to balance humor with profound emotional depth. The film resonated with audiences for its relatable characters and thought-provoking exploration of generational divides and social mobility.

• Praised for its sharp and insightful commentary on Brazilian social structures.

• Regina Casé delivers a career-defining performance as the resilient matriarch.

• The film skillfully balances humor and drama, creating a deeply resonant family story.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's powerful story and relatable characters, highlighting its emotional impact and insightful look at Brazilian society. Many found the performances, especially Regina Casé's, to be outstanding and the narrative thought-provoking.

Won the Special Jury Award for Acting at the Sundance Film Festival (Regina Casé) and the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for numerous other awards globally.

The film was originally conceived as a way for director Anna Muylaert to explore her own upbringing, having been raised by a live-in nanny while her own mother worked in another city.