Event

The Chambermaid

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 Eves hopes, dreams, and desires. As with Alfonso Cuaróns 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

"Critics Pick! Quietly stunning. After youve 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 Mexicos anonymous laboring classes." John Hopewell, Variety

"Formally confident and technically polished. Avilés is an exciting find." Dan Sallitt, MUBI

Newcomer Cartol is a revelation. Theres an inner light bursting to break free. Kristen Lopez, Culturess

A truly astonishing gem. Juan Sarda, El Cultural