Review of Ilo Ilo (2013) by Augustine H — 25 Oct 2013

Set in Singapore, a working couple decide that they need a live in maid to do chores around the house and help them look after their young troublesome kid. However, as this intimate family portrait in which we get a glimpse of the everyday struggles of each of the main four characters progresses, we soon realise that the couple is seriously struggling on both emotional and financial grounds particularly stressed by the lack of job opportunities and another child on the way.

In spite of the seriousness of some of the domestic subject which it deals with, such as insecurities and disenchantments, Anthony Chen's impressive feature film debut is both emotional and humorous.

In fact, sometimes Ilo Ilo feels like a satirical take on the self imposed everyday struggles of modern families and their vulnerable natures which occasionally leads them down self-destructive paths and to having to deal with small or big crises.