
Have you ever watched a film so powerful it made you sit in silence long after the credits rolled? That’s exactly the kind of experience I’m Still Here delivers. Directed by Walter Salles, the mastermind behind City of God. This Brazilian drama is based on a true story that’ll shake you to your core. It was released on November 7, 2024, in Brazil, and instantly captured audience attention. Later released in US theaters on January 17, 2025, it’ll soon be available for streaming on Netflix.
In this article, I’ll unpack everything you need to know about I’m Still Here – its gripping plot, the exceptional cast, and why it’s become such a cultural phenomenon. If you’re a fan of thought-provoking cinema, keep reading because this film is one you don’t want to miss.
What is I’m Still Here 2024 About?

At its heart, I’m Still Here tells the story of Eunice Paiva, a housewife turned human rights lawyer after her husband, Rubens Paiva, was abducted and disappeared by Brazil’s military police in 1971. This wasn’t just a family tragedy—it was a turning point for Eunice, who transformed her grief into a lifelong fight for justice.
The film dives deep into Eunice’s struggles, balancing motherhood with activism while living under the constant threat of a brutal dictatorship. It’s not just about her family’s story but also about a nation grappling with the scars of oppression.
The movie is based on the memoir by Eunice’s son, Marcelo Rubens Paiva, and Walter Salles brings this harrowing yet inspiring tale to life with stunning direction.
Here is the I’m Still Here 2024 trailer:
The Impact of I’m Still Here

This isn’t just another historical drama—it’s a gut punch. Watching I’m Still Here feels so relevant because the themes of resistance and resilience resonate globally. Especially in today’s climate of political unrest.
In Brazil, the movie hit home. Released amid political tensions and fresh revelations about past and present far-right movements, it sparked widespread conversations on social media. Even Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice referenced it while addressing the lingering pain of families who lost loved ones during the dictatorship.
And let’s not forget the parallels between Brazil and other countries, like the US, where democracy has felt fragile. This is a story that transcends borders.
Breakdown of the I’m Still Here Cast

The performances in I’m Still Here are nothing short of remarkable. Fernanda Torres stuns as Eunice Paiva, beautifully capturing her evolution from a housewife to a courageous activist. Her real-life mother, Fernanda Montenegro, brings gravitas as an older Eunice. While Selton Mello and Marjorie Estiano deliver powerful performances as Rubens and Eliana Paiva, respectively.
Here’s the standout I’m Still Here cast:
- Marjorie Estiano as Eliana Paiva: The Paivas’ daughter, who faces trauma alongside her mother.
- Fernanda Torres as Eunice Paiva: A housewife turned fearless human rights advocate.
- Fernanda Montenegro as Older Eunice: An elder Eunice reflecting on her life and fight for justice.
- Selton Mello as Rubens Paiva: Eunice’s husband, whose abduction sparks the story.
Where to Watch I’m Still Here?

The film premiered in Brazil on November 7, 2024, and it’s been creating waves ever since. For viewers in US, the movie is already released on January 17, 2025. If you’re wondering about I’m Still Here 2024 streaming, don’t worry—you’ll be able to catch it on Netflix in 2025.
Netflix is one of the best platform to stream your favorite content. However, its availability varies by region. You can access it from anywhere using ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN. These VPNs allow you to connect to Netflix and watch the shows quickly.
You can also stream titles like Bridgerton Season 3, Elite Season 8, Star Trek: Prodig, That ’90s Show’ Season 2, Thelma the Unicorn, The 8 Show Season 1, Wild Wild Punjab, and more.
Streaming Service | Pricing Starts At | Available Locations |
Netflix | $6.99 per month (standard with Ads)$15.49 per month (Standard)$22.99 per month (Premium) | US, UK, Australia, and over 190 countries in the world. |
Why This Film Feels So Timely?

There’s something hauntingly familiar about the struggles depicted in I’m Still Here. Eunice’s fight against authoritarianism mirrors battles happening today. It reminds us that democracy isn’t guaranteed—it’s something people have to fight for, often at great personal cost.
The film also sheds light on how governments erase inconvenient truths. Eunice’s relentless search for her husband’s remains and justice for the disappeared resonates with families still waiting for answers decades later.
Is I’m Still Here a Good Movie?

Move forward, and find out what fans are saying about the movie;
10/10
Every person on Planet should watch this.
Touching, brave, and beautiful. Based on the cruel facts of Brazilian dictatorship.
A past that cannot be forgotten, so it doesn’t repeat ever again.
Every person on Planet should watch this film.
Uncomperable picture from the city of Rio de Janeiro in the previous century. With an convincing adaptation that brings the public back to that time.
Actors completely fitting their roles. With special attention to the acting of Fernanda Torres, with a leading hole. Forced by the circumstances to be the family provider, she doesn’t loose her grace and the energy to flight for people’s freedom and the proper acknowledgement to what happed to her husband.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
This movie is exceptional because it combines deep emotional storytelling with a raw and honest portrayal of a character’s struggle with identity and belonging. It captures the complexity of personal transformation, particularly when it comes to reconciling past trauma and present challenges. The performances are powerful, with the protagonist’s journey feeling both intimate and universal, which resonates with a wide audience. The cinematography and direction further enhance the narrative, allowing the viewer to connect not only with the story but with the characters on a profound level. The film’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery is both moving and thought-provoking, making it a truly memorable cinematic experience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
“I’m Still Here” is a timeless and deeply moving film that transcends the boundaries of Brazilian cinema to deliver a universal and unforgettable masterpiece. Featuring flawless performances, particularly from Fernanda Torres, who brings to life the pain, strength, and resilience of Eunice Paiva, the film stands as a powerful testament to history and the human condition. Under the masterful direction of Walter Salles, every scene is carefully crafted, balancing delicacy and intensity. The narrative is profoundly touching, and the cinematography, paired with an evocative soundtrack, makes Still Here a sublime cinematic experience. An extraordinary film that will be remembered as one of the great treasures of global cinema.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10
Oh my god this is the best picture I have ever seen in my 40 years of life!!!!
And the main actress is by far better than the last Oscar actress winners in the past 10 years at least!
I hope they win the Oscar this year!
Emotional and sensitive storyline: The film’s narrative is deeply moving, addressing themes of overcoming grief and seeking answers after the death of a loved one. It handles pain and the search for meaning in a heartfelt way.
Exploration of family and love relationships: The film portrays the significance of human connections, particularly familial bonds, and how love and memory can transcend death.
Reflection on life and death: The film subtly explores existential themes such as the need to move on, grief, and the search for peace, without being overly melodramatic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
Deeply moving. I’ve never seen so many people in tears as they left the theater. The story is stunningly beautiful and feels incredibly authentic. It evoked such intense emotions-anxiety, distress, sadness. The first part of the film is masterfully crafted, drawing you into the Paiva family’s world and making you deeply feel the pain of their loss. The portrayal of Rio in the ’70s-where peace and love clashed with an increasingly oppressive military dictatorship-is exceptionally vivid and well-executed. While I found the very last scene a bit unnecessary, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. This is easily one of the best films I’ve seen in years, and its message feels incredibly urgent as we face a world leaning toward increasingly authoritarian regimes. It’s a powerful reminder of what life under a dictatorship truly means.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
The Brazilian movie of 2024 is I’m Still Here, a gripping drama based on true events during Brazil’s military dictatorship.
I’m Still Here is in select U.S. theaters now and will stream on Netflix in 2025.
It tells the story of Eunice Paiva, who fights for justice after her husband is abducted during Brazil’s dictatorship.
It’s called a Brazil film because it’s set in Brazil, tells a Brazilian historical story, and features a Brazilian cast and crew.
Final Thoughts!
I’m Still Here isn’t just a film—it’s an experience. It’s raw, emotional, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. It’s also a stark warning that the struggles of the past can resurface if we’re not vigilant.
So, if you’re wondering about I’m Still Here showtimes, or I’m Still Here release date, make sure to check your local listings or wait for it on Netflix in 2025. Trust me, it’s worth the watch.