Still Here

*The story of “Still Here” ultimately revolves around Eunice Paiva’s long struggle for justice after her husband, Rubens, disappears during Brazil’s oppressive military regime. While the film never shows Rubens’s fate directly, it provides grim hints through Eunice’s experiences—her interrogation scenes, witnessing bloodstains, and the misinformation about her husband’s supposed escape. The tragic truth is revealed through a trusted friend and records confirming that Rubens was killed in military custody, though his body was never found. The regime disposed of his remains in a way that sealed any evidence, a tactic used for many other victims of the dictatorship.

Decades pass, and Eunice dedicates herself to uncovering the truth, even training as a lawyer to fight for her family’s right to official acknowledgment. Her relentless efforts result in the passing of a law that facilitates the issuance of death certificates for victims of forced disappearances, which finally provides her with the official confirmation that Rubens was killed by the state. The moment she receives his death certificate is bittersweet; it marks the resolution of her long quest for justice but also acknowledges the immense pain of losing her husband forever.

In the film’s final scenes, Eunice is shown at the age of 85, suffering from advanced dementia—an emotionally powerful ending that underscores the tragic toll her years of suffering have taken on her physical and mental health. The epilogue reveals she lived with Alzheimer’s until her death, her memories fading and her body frail, symbolizing how her lifelong fight for justice came at great personal cost.*

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00