“Que Horas Ela Volta?”: A Cinematic Reflection on Social Change in Brazil

Introduction

The Brazilian film Que Horas Ela Volta? (The Second Mother), directed and written by Anna Muylaert, offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of class dynamics, social mobility, and the shifting landscape of domestic labor in Brazil. Released on August 27, 2015, the film follows Val, a live-in housemaid who left her daughter behind in search of better opportunities in São Paulo. Through its nuanced storytelling, the film challenges long-standing social hierarchies and highlights the generational divide in attitudes toward privilege and entitlement.

The Storyline: A Tale of Two Realities

Val, played masterfully by Regina Casé, is among the millions of Northeastern Brazilians who migrated to the Southeast in search of a better life. She leaves her young daughter, Jéssica, in Pernambuco under the care of relatives and takes up employment in a wealthy São Paulo household. Over the years, Val becomes a surrogate mother to Fabinho, the son of her employer, reinforcing the deep-rooted culture of domestic workers forming close emotional bonds with their employer’s children, often at the cost of their own parental relationships. Years later, Val receives a call from Jéssica, now a young woman, who announces her move to São Paulo to take the university entrance exams. This reunion sets off a series of events that expose the deep-seated inequalities and tensions between social classes, as Jéssica refuses to conform to the unspoken rules of the household that her mother has long accepted as the norm.

A Stellar Cast and Powerful Performances

The film owes much of its impact to the exceptional performances of its lead actors. Regina Casé delivers a deeply emotional and layered portrayal of Val, capturing the struggles of a woman torn between duty and personal ambition. Camila Márdila, as Jéssica, represents the defiant new generation that refuses to adhere to outdated social constraints. Karine Teles, in the role of Bárbara, the matriarch of the household, embodies the entitlement and casual condescension of Brazil’s upper class. These three women transform Que Horas Ela Volta? into a masterpiece that transcends simple storytelling, offering an insightful critique of Brazilian society.

Breaking the Rules of Social Order

Jéssica’s arrival is initially welcomed by her mother’s employers, who see her as an extension of Val. However, tensions arise when Jéssica refuses to accept the implicit social hierarchy that dictates where she should eat, sleep, and exist within the household. Her confident demeanor and refusal to be subservient challenge the established order, exposing the hypocrisy of a supposedly liberal elite that struggles to reconcile their progressive ideals with their ingrained class biases. This friction reaches a climax when Jéssica is invited to stay in the guest room, a privilege traditionally reserved for family or important guests. For Bárbara and her husband Carlos, this act disrupts the silent agreement that maintains the status quo. Meanwhile, Val struggles with conflicting emotions—on one hand, she is proud of her daughter’s assertiveness, but on the other, she fears the repercussions of breaking unwritten rules.

A Reflection of Brazil’s Social Evolution

The film serves as a mirror to the broader transformations occurring in Brazilian society. Historically, domestic work has been a key sector for working-class women, particularly those from the Northeast. Migration from rural areas to urban centers became widespread, particularly from the 1930s onwards, as industrialization created new economic opportunities in the Southeast. This movement intensified in the 1970s with government policies such as the National Alcohol Program (PROÁLCOOL), which displaced small farmers and drove them toward urban labor markets. Val represents the generation that accepted subservience as a necessity for survival. However, the new generation, embodied by Jéssica, no longer sees domestic service as a default career path. Instead, education and professional advancement have become attainable goals, facilitated by government programs such as affirmative action policies, scholarships, and increased access to higher education. Despite these advancements, regional prejudices persist, and Que Horas Ela Volta? highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those seeking upward mobility.

The Impact of Institutional Changes and Legal Reforms

The evolving rights of domestic workers in Brazil are another key theme in the film. Historically, domestic labor in Brazil operated under an informal system that offered minimal legal protection to workers. However, legislative changes have significantly improved conditions for domestic employees. The 2013 PEC das Domésticas (Domestic Workers’ Constitutional Amendment) established equal labor rights for domestic workers, guaranteeing benefits such as maternity leave, unemployment insurance, and paid vacation. This legal advancement symbolizes the broader shift in social attitudes, challenging outdated employer-employee relationships and fostering a more equitable labor market. Val’s journey reflects these legal and societal changes. While she continues to struggle with ingrained norms, her daughter represents a new reality where opportunity is no longer dictated solely by socioeconomic status. Jéssica’s determination to pursue higher education signifies the growing empowerment of the working class, highlighting the impact of institutional reforms in shaping Brazil’s modern landscape.

The Role of Regional Prejudice in Modern Brazil

Despite the progress, Que Horas Ela Volta? also exposes the persistent issue of regional prejudice in Brazil. Historically, Northeastern migrants have faced xenophobia in the Southeast, often being stereotyped as uneducated or inferior. This bias was evident in political elections, where voting patterns in the Northeast differed from those in the South and Southeast, leading to heightened social tensions. Jéssica’s story illustrates how these prejudices persist, even as opportunities expand. While she is determined and capable, she still encounters subtle discrimination that reflects the broader challenges faced by Northeastern migrants. The film underscores the importance of continuing efforts to combat regional bias, emphasizing that true social progress requires not only legal reforms but also shifts in cultural perceptions.

Conclusion: A Film That Sparks Essential Conversations

Que Horas Ela Volta? is more than just a film—it is a social commentary that resonates far beyond Brazilian borders. By weaving together themes of class struggle, migration, generational conflict, and labor rights, Anna Muylaert crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relevant. The film challenges viewers to reflect on their own biases and question the structures that perpetuate inequality. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder that societal transformation is a continuous process. As Brazil grapples with ongoing economic and political changes, Que Horas Ela Volta? remains a powerful depiction of the shifting tides in class dynamics and the resilience of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

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