The Chambermaid

Directed by Lila Avilés

Release Year: 2019
Running time: 102
Country: Mexico
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
$17.97 - Classroom Rights
MSRP: $29.95
$349.00 - With PPR
$499.00 - With DSL
$499.00 - With DSL and PPR
MSRP: $599.00
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Directed by: Lila Avilés

In her feature debut, theater director Lila Avilés turns the monotonous work day of Eve (Gabriela Cartol), a chambermaid at a high-end Mexico City hotel, into a beautifully observed film of rich detail. Set entirely in this alienating environment, with extended scenes taking place in the guest rooms, hallways, and cleaning facilities, this minimalist yet sumptuous movie brings to the fore Eve’s hopes, dreams, and desires. As with Alfonso Cuarón’s ROMA, set in the same city, The Chambermaid salutes the invisible women caretakers who are the hard-working backbone of society. – New Directors/New Films

Reviews

"Critic’s Pick! Quietly stunning. After you’ve seen it, the world looks different."

- – A. O. Scott, The New York Times
 

"It may feel less epic in scale [than ROMA], but THE CHAMBERMAID is just as emotionally potent and perhaps even more successful at questioning the power dynamics of a workplace that has lost its sense of compassion."

- – Monica Castillo, RogerEbert.com
 

"Extremely moving. Quietly pulses with life. Brought to life with bristling sensitivity and dormant rage by Mexican actress Gabriela Cartol."

- – Oliver Jones, Observer
 

"Possessed of a deadpan wit and downplayed humanistic warmth... and a poised lead performance by Gabriela Cartol. It will mark Avilés as a name to watch."

- – Jonathan Romney, Screen International
 

"Funny and playful... Nuanced and natural, it has a quiet and modest power as it comments on the ironies of contemporary cities like Mexico City and their growing economic divide."

- – John Fink, The Film Stage
 

“Sublime. Moments of beauty, tenderness and freedom… provide flickers of humanity that feel almost miraculous.”

- – A. O. Scott, The New York Times
 

"Winningly grounded. A compassionate tribute to Mexico’s anonymous laboring classes."

- – John Hopewell, Variety
 

"Formally confident and technically polished. Avilés is an exciting find."

- – Dan Sallitt, MUBI
 

“Newcomer Cartol is a revelation. There’s an inner light bursting to break free.”

- – Kristen Lopez, Culturess
 

“A truly astonishing gem.”

- – Juan Sarda, El Cultural
 

“Outstanding.”

- – Iván Belmont, Konexión
 

Awards

Best First Feature – Ariel Awards (Mexico's Academy Awards)

 

Winner: Best Film – Morelia Film Festival

 

Winner: Jury Prize – Marrakech Film Festival

 

Official Selection – San Sebastian Film Festival

 

Official Selection – Toronto Film Festival

 

Official Selection – AFI Fest

 

Official Selection – New Directors/New Films

 

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