The Maid

Chilean director and co-writer Sebastian Silva creates an elegant observation of class distinctions between a repressed maid named Raquel (wonderfully played by Catalina Saavedra) and the upper class Valdez Chilean family for whom she works. The film begins with the Valdez family celebrating Raquel's 41st birthday around the dinner table at their home where Raquel occupies a small room. Rachel suffers from fainting spells that cause the family to hire an additional maid. The hiring process does implodes with Rachel going out of her way to scare off what she sees as competition for her job. But when spry free-thinker Lucy (Mariana Loyola) takes up the position, she treats Raquel with a respect that enables Raquel to transform into a happier person. Here is a profound story of a woman who breaks out of a social cage that she maintained as much as her perceived masters.
Not Rated. 96 mins. (B+) (Four Stars)