Year: 2018
Runtime: 135 min
Language: Spanish
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Set in 1970s Mexico City, this drama follows Cleo, a young domestic worker, as she cares for a middle-class family in the Roma neighborhood. Through a deeply personal story, the film explores themes of family, class, and faith, drawing on the director’s own memories of childhood. It’s a tender and moving portrait of a woman’s strength and resilience during a period of significant social and political change.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Roma yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Roma (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In Mexico City, D.F. during the years 1970-1971, we follow Cleo, a hardworking housekeeper portrayed by Yalitza Aparicio, who dedicates her days to caring for a wealthy family’s four children: Toño, Paco, Pepe, and Sofi. Not only does she manage the household chores and look after the kids, but she also enjoys a close friendship with Adela, another housemaid played by Nancy García García. Tensions arise within the family dynamics, particularly between Antonio (played by Fernando Grediaga), the doctor and head of the household, and his wife Sofía (portrayed by Marina de Tavira), as he frequently leaves for work trips. The family finds it hard to cope with his absence, especially when Sofía tries to comfort the children by telling them he’s on a work trip in Canada, yet her emotions reveal her discontent.
Cleo’s personal life takes a significant turn when she starts dating Fermín (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), who is related to Adela’s boyfriend. Their romance blossoms quickly, leading to a steamy night together that sets the stage for heartbreak. After realizing she might be pregnant, Cleo shares the news with Fermín, who panics and abandons her, leaving her feeling desolate and abandoned.
Meanwhile, moments of social unrest are palpable in the background, highlighted by a television broadcast of Zovek, a famous personality of the time, showcasing the stark contrast between privilege and societal issues. As Cleo grapples with her pregnancy fears and the possible loss of her job, Sofía proves to be a pillar of support, reassuring her that she would not be fired and taking her to see a doctor.
As the story unfolds, the family’s Christmas celebrations at Sofía’s brother’s estate clash with the reality on the streets, where land disputes stir violence. During a New Year’s Eve gathering, Cleo wrestles with her emotions and the growing distance in the family as she witnesses Antonio’s infidelity when she sees him with another woman. Amidst these personal turmoils, she strives to confront Fermín, but he disowns her and threatens her, deepening her despair.
The tension escalates when Sofía overhears Cleo’s conversation with Paco, leading her to lash out in anger. Despite this, Teresa (played by Verónica García), Sofía’s mother, takes it upon herself to guide Cleo through the challenges of impending motherhood, but their shopping trip becomes a nightmare amid violent protests.
In a gripping series of events, Cleo’s water breaks due to seeing Fermín during the protests, leading to an emergency hospital visit. Despite the doctors’ efforts, tragedy strikes as she loses her child, plunging her into deep sorrow.
In an unexpected twist, Sofía invites Cleo on a weekend trip to help distract her, ultimately revealing the harsh truth about Antonio’s departure. As they attempt to adjust to their new reality, a beach outing leads to a moment where Cleo, despite her inability to swim, heroically rescues Paco and Sofi from drowning, earning their gratitude and love.
In the aftermath of Antonio’s absence, Cleo continues to be a part of the family’s life, reinforcing their resilience as they adapt together, navigating the waves of grief and newfound strength in their collective journey forward.
Last Updated: November 09, 2024 at 11:22
Still wondering what the ending of Roma (2018) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
The ending of “Roma” is both emotional and layered with meaning. After a tumultuous year marked by personal loss, political chaos, and social upheaval, Cleo eventually has her baby, but tragically, it is stillborn. This devastating event leaves her in a state of post-partum depression, and her relationship with Fermín becomes strained and uncertain. Fermín has fallen into radicalized violence, shown by his involvement in theft, riots, and potential guerrilla activity, which culminates in him abandoning Cleo at a martial arts practice before robbing a store during a riot. Meanwhile, the family Cleo works for is also facing upheaval—Antonio, the father, has left them, and his absence is confirmed when they take a family holiday to clear out his belongings from the house. During this trip, a powerful moment occurs when two of the children nearly drown, but Cleo saves them. This act of courage cements her role as a protector within the family, and in that moment, she admits she didn’t really want her baby, revealing her inner struggles and complex feelings about motherhood. Sofia, the mother, reassures Cleo of her love and that they want her to stay, emphasizing the bond of their shared resilience. The story ends with the family back home, adjusting to the absence of Antonio and beginning to rebuild their lives. Throughout, Cleo’s bond with the children and the support of her colleagues provide her with a sense of stability amid chaos. The film concludes on a note of quiet resilience, highlighting that despite personal tragedy and national turmoil, family, love, and the quiet strength of individuals like Cleo can endure. The historical context—political violence, social upheaval, and class division—darkly underscores the personal struggles, but ultimately, the ending emphasizes hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of community and family. In the final scene, as the family returns to their daily life, Roma’s story reminds us that even amid widespread turmoil, ordinary people can find meaning and stability through compassion and connection.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
Don't stop at just watching — explore Roma in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Roma is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Roma with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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