Roma 2018

In the sweltering Mexican heat of 1970, Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio) toils as a devoted housekeeper for a wealthy family, her days filled with the gentle rhythms of childcare, canine companionship, and domestic diligence. Her closest friend and confidant is Adela (Nancy Garcia), another trusted member of the household staff. Against this tranquil backdrop, however, simmering tensions abound within the household. Antonio (Fernando Grediaga), the patriarch, is a doctor perpetually absent due to work commitments, leaving his wife Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and their four children to pine for his return. The family’s dynamics are further complicated by Antonio’s protracted absences, which Sofia masks with tales of extended business trips, only to be left bereft of emotional connection.

Cleo’s personal life is equally complex. She has a tender romance brewing with Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), the cousin of Adela’s beau Pepe. The two couples embark on a double date to the cinema, but Cleo and Fermin’s evening takes an unexpected turn when they slip away to a hotel room. Following their intimate encounter, Fermin reveals his proficiency in martial arts, crediting it with bringing discipline and purpose to his life. He professed his love for Cleo, only to abandon her without explanation after she confides in him about a possible pregnancy.

As the months pass, Cleo’s suspicions are confirmed when she learns she is indeed expecting. Seeking solace and guidance, she approaches Sofia, only to be met with unwavering support and encouragement. The family’s matriarch takes Cleo under her wing, insisting that they visit a doctor together to confirm the pregnancy and explore their options.

As Christmas approaches, the family gathers at Sofia’s brother’s opulent estate, where the children eagerly await the return of their absentee father. However, Sofia’s responses only hint at Antonio’s continued absence, stuck in Quebec as she claims. Meanwhile, whispers of escalating violence surrounding land disputes spread through the household staff, casting a pall of unease over the festivities.

The celebration is abruptly interrupted by a raging fire set ablaze by those embroiled in the conflict, and the partygoers scramble to extinguish the flames. As Cleo gazes upon the chaos, she is reminded that even amidst the tranquility of domestic life, hidden currents of tension and upheaval can simmer beneath the surface, waiting to erupt into a maelstrom of uncertainty and change.

As Cleo returns home with the children, she’s met with a harsh reality - Antonio’s carefree afternoon at the movies with another woman is a stark contrast to his supposed commitment to them. Seeking guidance from Pepe, Cleo learns that Fermin’s whereabouts remain shrouded in mystery. With Pepe’s reluctant assistance, Cleo makes her way to the martial arts training area, hoping to finally confront Fermin about their situation. However, Fermin refuses to acknowledge paternity and threatens violence if she ever approaches him again.

Meanwhile, Sofia confides in a friend on the phone about Antonio’s deceit regarding his supposed trip to Canada, unaware that Paco is eavesdropping. As Cleo tries to intervene, Sofia’s frustration boils over, and she slaps Paco, before immediately apologizing and begging him not to reveal their family drama to his siblings.

Teresa, Sofia’s mother and Cleo’s confidante, takes her to a department store to prepare for the impending arrival of Cleo’s baby. However, their shopping trip is disrupted by violent protests outside the building. Chaos erupts as students, joined by armed men, storm into the store, causing panic and destruction. Amidst the chaos, Cleo’s world is turned upside down when she discovers that one of the masked gunman is Fermin.

As the situation spirals out of control, Cleo’s water breaks, and Teresa rushes her to the hospital through treacherous traffic caused by the ongoing protests. Upon arrival, Cleo’s doctor delivers devastating news - her baby has stopped beating. In a desperate bid to save their child, Cleo is rushed into surgery. As Antonio appears at her bedside, promising everything will be okay, his words are belied when he makes excuses to avoid joining her in the operating room. Ultimately, the medical team fights valiantly, but tragedy strikes as Cleo’s stillborn daughter leaves an indelible mark on their lives.

As Cleo’s despair slowly lifts, she returns to her duties, only to be surprised by Sofia’s announcement that the family is embarking on a weekend getaway to Tuxpan, a beachside retreat. With an invitation extended to Cleo not as a maid, but as a cherished guest, Sofia hopes this respite will prove therapeutic for her friend. Initially resistant, Cleo ultimately relents, and with Adela’s persistence, she agrees to join the family on their adventure.

The drive to Tuxpan sets the tone for a weekend of revelations, as Sofia gently breaks the news to her children that their father is not returning from Canada, but rather has been collecting his belongings from their home. The children are devastated by this bombshell, yet Sofia’s unwavering strength and optimism reassure them that everything will be alright, and they’re about to embark on a thrilling new chapter together.

As the family settles into their beachside haven, Sofia takes a moment to confide in Toño, leaving Paco and Sofi to indulge in some much-needed swimming. With Cleo keeping watch over Pepe, she’s oblivious to the fact that the other two children have drifted further out to sea than intended. Her instincts screaming for attention, Cleo abandons all hesitation and plunges into the water, her lack of swimming skills notwithstanding. Undaunted by the treacherous currents, she fearlessly rescues Paco and Sofi, guiding them back to shore as Sofia and the other children rush to their side in shock.

The family’s collective gratitude is palpable as they envelop Cleo in a heartfelt hug, tears streaming down her face as she confesses her deep-seated guilt over never wanting her child. The group’s emotional release serves as a catalyst for their collective healing, with the family slowly rebuilding their lives together.

Upon returning home, the family is met with an eerie sense of desolation, as they survey the remnants of their former life now laid bare by Antonio’s departure. Together, they begin to adapt to this new reality, gradually finding solace in their familiar routine and collectively navigating the challenges that lie ahead. As Cleo becomes an integral part of this process, her own pain slowly gives way to a sense of belonging and purpose, as the family emerges stronger and more resilient than ever before.