The film Que Horas Ela Volta? (The Second Mother), directed and written by Anna Muylaert, tells the story of Val, a domestic worker in São Paulo. Released on August 27, 2015, the film follows Val, one of the many northeastern Brazilians who leave their home regions in search of better living conditions for themselves and their families. Leaving her young daughter, Jéssica, in the care of relatives in the countryside of Pernambuco, Val moves to São Paulo to work in the home of an affluent upper-middle-class family. Her role goes beyond housekeeping—she also becomes a second mother to Fabinho, the son of her employer.

A Mother-Daughter Reunion That Challenges Social Norms

Years later, Val receives a call from Jéssica, now a young adult, informing her that she is moving to São Paulo to take university entrance exams. By this time, both Jéssica and Fabinho have grown up. While Jéssica was raised away from her mother’s presence, Fabinho was nurtured with affection and care by Val.

Their reunion sets off a social revolution within the household. Muylaert masterfully portrays this shift, capturing the evolving power dynamics with authenticity. The film’s entire cast delivers outstanding performances. While Lourenço Mutarelli (Carlos) and Michel Joelsas (Fabinho) play their roles well, the movie belongs to its three leading women. Karine Teles (Barbara), Camila Márdila (Jéssica), and especially Regina Casé (Val) deliver extraordinary performances that elevate Que Horas Ela Volta? to an artistic masterpiece. Regina Casé, a seasoned and highly skilled actress, brings remarkable depth to Val’s character, while Karine Teles proves herself as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

Breaking Social Barriers

Initially, Jéssica is warmly welcomed by Val’s employers. However, tensions arise when she starts questioning the rigid social protocols in place. Val has accepted and adapted to these norms, seeing them as a natural part of social relationships. Jéssica, on the other hand, challenges them, leading to a pivotal turning point in the film.

The movie highlights how society evolves, yet many people resist these changes. It doesn’t just depict what happens within the household of Val’s employers but reflects broader societal transformations occurring in Brazil.

The Historical Context of Migration in Brazil

Beyond its central narrative, Val’s character represents the countless northeastern Brazilians who migrated to the southeastern region without formal qualifications. This migration began systematically in the 1930s as Brazil’s southeastern region underwent rapid industrialization. The process intensified in the 1970s when the Brazilian military government launched the National Alcohol Program (PROÁLCOOL) in 1975 to support ethanol-fueled vehicles. This led to an expansion in sugarcane production, displacing small farmers who cultivated food crops on sugarcane plantation lands.

This rural exodus drove migration not only to northeastern state capitals but also to major southeastern cities. Migration fueled by PROÁLCOOL continued into the 1990s, and Val is likely a product of this historical movement.

The “Servant’s Quarters” – A Legacy of Inequality

Val lives in her employer’s house, despite having designated days off. However, the concept of a small, separate living space for domestic workers in affluent households is now outdated. This “mini-slavery” space, traditionally known as the “servant’s quarters,” is a remnant of a deeply unequal past.

If Val left Pernambuco under specific historical circumstances and accepted this living arrangement, Jéssica has a different mindset. She moved to São Paulo not to become a domestic worker but to pursue higher education at a prestigious university. However, this did not shield her from the xenophobia and regional prejudice often faced by northeastern migrants in Brazil.

Education and Social Mobility in Brazil

Historically, higher education in Brazil was a privilege reserved for the elite. However, over the past two decades, affirmative action policies, scholarships, and financial incentives have enabled many children of domestic workers to obtain university degrees.

Another critical theme in the film is the evolving relationship between employers and domestic workers. The once-commonplace “servant’s quarters” was a standard feature in older homes. Today, domestic workers in Brazil have legally recognized labor rights. The Domestic Workers’ Bill (PEC das Domésticas), passed in 2013 under President Dilma Rousseff’s administration, granted equal labor rights to domestic workers. These rights include maternity leave, sick leave, work injury benefits, paid vacation, pensions, and retirement plans. It also established a maximum workweek of 44 hours and an eight-hour workday.

Migration in Contemporary Brazil

Jéssica’s migration story unfolds in a very different Brazil compared to Val’s. Internal migration in Brazil continues, not only from the Northeast to the Southeast but across all five regions, with diverse migration flows between the South, Center-West, Southeast, and North. Unlike past decades, many northeastern migrants today move with professional qualifications, often securing high-level positions in major corporations or pursuing graduate studies in universities across the country.

Regional Prejudice and Political Divides

Unfortunately, regional prejudice persists. Brazil’s presidential elections in 2014, 2018, and 2022 exposed deep societal divisions. While the South, Center-West, and much of the Southeast predominantly voted for center-right candidates, voters in the North and Northeast leaned towards center-left representatives. After the 2018 election of a far-right candidate, xenophobic attacks against northeastern Brazilians became even more frequent. However, prejudice often says more about the aggressors than the victims. Ignorance fuels intolerance, xenophobia, and racism, highlighting the importance of continued social awareness and change.

A Film That Sparks Social Reflection

Que Horas Ela Volta? is more than just a film—it is a profound social commentary on Brazil’s evolving class dynamics, migration history, and persistent inequalities. Through its gripping narrative and outstanding performances, the movie forces viewers to confront the realities of social mobility, labor rights, and deep-seated prejudices. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Brazilian society and the ongoing struggle for equality.

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