'Die My Love' Director Lynne Ramsay Names This 96%-Rated Gem Her Favorite Movie: "A Modern Classic"

Lynne Ramsay, a master of psychological dramas known for her merciless explorations of her characters' inner worlds, revealed the source of her inspiration in an interview.

The director, whose latest work, Die My Love, explores the terrifying depths of postpartum depression, cited Alfonso Cuarón's Roma as one of her favorite films.

Lynne Ramsay has Nothing But Praise for Alfonso Cuarón's 'Roma'

The director praised Cuarón's ability to transform the everyday lives of two women into an epic, all-consuming movie. Ramsay said:

“The sound and image make you feel you're inside it, experiencing her (Cleo). Virtual reality but more emotional. [...]

A modern classic, a rarity now. Technically unmatched. Every detail and moment so considered but feel just happened upon. [...] Reminding what a movie can (still) do, really inspired me.”

What Is 'Roma' About?

Set in Mexico City in the early 1970s, the story centers on Cleo, a young indigenous woman who works as a housekeeper and nanny for a doctor's family.

Her quiet life, filled with caring for four children, a grandmother, and a dog, is shattered when she discovers she is pregnant.

The child's father disappears, and the man of the house soon abandons his wife, Sofía, and the children. Amidst the characters' personal dramas, social unrest rages, culminating in the brutal shooting of student demonstrators.

'Roma' Is an Almost Autobiographical Work That Is Both Personal and Universal

Roma is a deeply personal project for Alfonso Cuarón. He directed, wrote, and edited the film and over 90% of the movie is composed of his memories of childhood in the Roma neighborhood.

However, Cuarón shifts the focus from the family to the housekeeper, Cleo. Through her eyes, we see how other people's children grow up and how the country changes.

The meticulously crafted monochrome cinematography recreates the spirit of the era and elevates a personal story to the level of an epic parable, down to every grain of sand on the asphalt.

Roma is a movie about how global history intrudes on private lives and how quiet dignity and love become the most powerful forces of resistance against the chaos of the world.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Roma'?

• Roma has 96% from critics and 72% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, Roma scored 4.1/10.

Where to Watch 'Roma'?

Roma is available to stream on Netflix.