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critic The Second Mother (2015)

The Second Mother (2015) Review: A Brazilian Classic

★★★★½ 4.5/5

Verdict

Essential viewing — a certified classic.

Where to watch The Second Mother

Not confirmed on major subscription platforms in our US baseline — check regional listings.

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Full scores & availability on the movie page.

Is The Second Mother worth watching?

Yes — The Second Mother remains one of the most celebrated films from Brazil, with a 96/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 96/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 88% Audience Snapshot, 79 Metascore, 4 on Letterboxd, and 7.7 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of Brazil” list.

What is The Second Mother about?

A live-in housekeeper’s estranged daughter arrives in São Paulo, disrupting class boundaries in the wealthy household where her mother works. Directed by Anna Muylaert, the film stars Regina Casé, Camila Márdila, Karine Teles, and remains a reference point for Drama and Comedy filmmaking from Brazil.

Should you watch The Second Mother?

Yes, without hesitation — The Second Mother rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 112 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Muylaert’s class comedy-drama is sharp, humane, and anchored by Regina Casé’s magnificent performance.

Where can I watch The Second Mother?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. The Second Mother (2015) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt3742240) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from Brazil on CelluloidScore.com.

If you liked The Second Mother

Ranked by genre overlap and Celluloid Score — full “movies like The Second Mother” page.