Miss Mary (1986 film)

Miss Mary is a 1986 Brazilian-American drama film directed by Maria Luisa Mendonça. The film stars Julie Christie as Miss Mary, an English governess who comes to Brazil in 1918 and becomes embroiled in the lives of a wealthy family during a time of significant social and political upheaval.

The film explores themes of class, colonialism, sexual repression, and the clash between European and South American cultures. Miss Mary's stiff upper lip and adherence to traditional British values stand in stark contrast to the more passionate and sensual nature of the Brazilian family she serves. As she witnesses the changing landscape of Brazil and the moral decay within the family, her own repressed desires begin to surface.

The plot revolves around the disintegration of the family's wealth and power, paralleled by Miss Mary's growing involvement in their personal dramas. She forms complex relationships with the family members, including a young man named Hugo, and struggles to maintain her composure and authority in the face of escalating tensions.

Miss Mary received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised Christie's performance and the film's exploration of its themes, others found the pacing slow and the narrative somewhat disjointed. It is considered a significant work in Brazilian cinema, notable for its portrayal of a specific historical period and its exploration of complex social dynamics.