Review of The Second Mother (2015) by Akash S — 27 May 2016

Half of the themes are similar to the Singaporean film 'Ilo Ilo', but this one tries to explore the social divide from a different and intriguing angle, with the ever-present dos and don'ts of a master-servant relationship guiding the thoughts and actions of the protagonists. Our lead protagonist Val works as a maid/nanny at a rich household, taking care of the only son there. Because of Val's differences with her ex, she's been estranged from her daughter for 10 years; the daughter was being looked after by Val's sister or friend (unclear), with the money sent by Val every month. The irony being the fact that she's like a 'second mother' to both the children she deeply cares for.

The film is essentially a critique of the vicious cycle of work, estrangement and pain which the lower class subjects itself to, almost always in vain, hoping to break out of the cycle and trying to etch a better life for their offspring. And overall, the film doesn't exude an overtly serious tone; it has a lot of witty, funny moments and observations now and then. The story is seemingly simple, but the affection with which the characters are explored is what makes it enchanting. When one is inside a bubble (here, the household), with all the rules and norms that come along with it, seemingly trivial actions can create quite a ruckus, and hence the tension that lingers. The rich couple do make a show of affection and warmth, but later incidents highlight their true motivations; Barbara does it mainly to alleviate her liberal guilt, and Carlos because he has a soft spot for Jessica.

The acting from everyone involved is quite brilliant, especially our flawless lead, Regina Casé; she gives us a unique and memorable motherly character. Her tender and loving relationship with Fabinho (the one she's looked after as a nanny for over 10 years) is inspiring and moving; it goes on to highlight the odd way she treats her own daughter later, all a result of assumed preassigned/predestined privileges. This combined with the fluid and long shots help us be a part of this claustrophobic bubble. The last scene is quite well-structured and heart-warming; it utilizes elements from the rest of the film and creates a ray of hope. I wish sequels were made for films like these... where we can check up on the characters after a decade or two.