I'm Still Here

At the end of I’m Still Here, Eunice Paiva finally receives the official document confirming her husband Rubens’ death—an important moment after decades of uncertainty and suffering. This law, which Eunice helped to champion, formally acknowledges his murder by the Brazilian military dictatorship and puts an end to the lingering question of his fate. The receipt of this death certificate is a bittersweet victory; it provides the closure her family desperately needed, confirming that Rubens was indeed killed by the regime, and officially ending the psychological torment they endured for over 25 years. However, the film’s final scenes reveal Eunice in a fragile state — she is shown as unable to speak and seemingly unaware of her surroundings. This condition is linked to her later life with Alzheimer’s disease, which she lived with until her death. The final portrayal of Eunice is poignant: her fight for justice was monumental, yet the toll on her body and mind was immense, emphasizing the enduring human cost of political repression. Throughout the film, it’s made clear that her story is one of resilience and profound loss, capturing the enduring impact of Argentina’s darkest chapter on its victims and their families.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44