When you see a movie like Roma, or at least when I do, I really am at a loss for words. I spend days thinking of sounds or shots or scenes and I wonder how I could possibly articulate these things into words so that I convince people to go see it. And it just never works. So instead, I'll just say everything you've heard is true. 

An interesting gripe I've heard some people have is that this movie is slow. I disagree hard, and it's a rare time when I don't even understand the complaint. I wouldn't even say it's sparse on dialogue - sure it's a little overdependent on visual storytelling (the whole scene where they put out the fire), but it never becomes indulgent or boring. There's pretty much always enough to keep you invested, and I think that's thanks to the writing and the brilliant central performance from Yalitza Aparicio. 

Of course it feels real and authentic, but it also feels like a daydream. It perfectly achieves its goal of presenting itself as a recollection of events. Cleo has a sense of innocence about her that makes it feel like a fantasy film, maybe more akin to a Guillermo del Toro film. Probably the best performance I've seen this year by newcomer Yalitza Aparicio. 

Even though this was my most anticipated film of the year (Cuarón is my favorite director and Y Tu Mamá También is my favorite film of all time), I didn't really know what to expect. What I got was something truly beautiful - an immerse experience, an essential story, and an ode to loved ones. 5/5.