The Second Mother (Portuguese: Que Horas Ela Volta?) is a 2015 Brazilian comedy-drama that offers a subtle yet powerful examination of class and family dynamics. Directed by Anna Muylaert, the film centers on Val, a dedicated live-in housekeeper in São Paulo who has spent years raising the son of her wealthy employers while her own daughter, Jéssica, remained in the countryside. The delicate ecosystem of the household is upended when Jéssica arrives to take a university entrance exam, challenging the unspoken rules and ingrained social hierarchies with her confident, independent demeanor.

Regina Casé delivers a remarkable performance as Val, capturing her quiet dignity and internal conflict as she navigates her dual roles as a surrogate mother to her employer's family and a distant biological mother. The film's strength lies in its nuanced direction and screenplay by Muylaert, which uses domestic spaces and everyday interactions to reveal deep-seated inequalities without heavy-handed moralizing. The tension builds not through dramatic confrontations, but through subtle shifts—who uses which glass, who sits at the dinner table—that speak volumes about Brazilian society.

Viewers should watch The Second Mother for its intelligent storytelling, superb acting, and its resonant social commentary that transcends its specific setting. It's a beautifully observed character study that questions the costs of sacrifice and the possibility of change within rigid structures. The film's 7.8 IMDb rating reflects its critical acclaim and emotional impact, making it essential viewing for fans of international cinema and human dramas.