The Housekeeper
The Housekeeper

Movie spotlight

The Housekeeper

2016
Movie
8 min
Portuguese

"A deeply beautiful and disturbing split-screen depiction of the contrasting daily routines of sociologist Gilberto Freyre in 1959 (author of The Masters and the Slaves, originator of Lusotropicalism, proponent of racial integration) and Cristóvão, an ordinary housekeeper in 2016." - Angeline Gragásin

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Matteo GarroneGenres: Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

A wealthy and aging businessman, struggling with his increasingly difficult life, decides to hire a young woman as his housekeeper. What begins as a practical arrangement soon evolves into a complex and at times unsettling relationship, blurring the lines between servant and employer, care and control. The film explores themes of loneliness, dependency, and the search for connection in the twilight of one's life.

Critical Reception

The Housekeeper received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its nuanced performances and its exploration of complex human relationships. Some found the narrative slow-paced, while others appreciated its subtle, character-driven approach. The film resonated with audiences for its poignant portrayal of aging and the unexpected bonds that can form between people.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive portrayal of aging and loneliness.

  • Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actors.

  • Some critics found the pacing to be deliberately slow, which may not appeal to all viewers.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their sentiment is not readily available for this film.

Fun Fact

Matteo Garrone is known for his distinctive visual style and his ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, often with a touch of surrealism, as seen in his other acclaimed films like 'Gomorrah' and 'Dogman'.

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