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The Maid
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25

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  1. LindaN.
    Dec 22, 2009
    10
    Unfortunately, most of the reviews I've read miss the point of this complicated, mutli-layered film about class. In Santiago, Chile there are an estimated 250,000 live-in maids who are probably living lives of the same quiet desperation as Raquel, the main character. What Silva has remarkably achieved is the intimate examination of how inequality debases the abused as well as the abuser. Such an intimate relationship between employer and employee brings into sharp focus what is wrong with such relationships that border on indentured slavery.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. MarshallL.
    Oct 29, 2009
    10
    Riveting. A great night out. Filming with one camera gives a documentary effect. I loved it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PaulG
    Oct 23, 2009
    8
    An absolutely amazing lead performance, with no shortage of other fine portrayals. I shudder to think about what an American studio would have done to this script. It keeps the audience off-balance and provides a sobering glimpse into the complex relationship between the haves and the have-nots in this world. Truly touching and disturbing at the same time. There are no villains and there are no heroes--much like real life.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. BobK
    Nov 17, 2009
    6
    I can't get as excited about this as the reviews I read before seeing it would suggest. It seemed overly long and borderline boring, making the same point multiple times.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JohnV
    Dec 24, 2009
    10
    The payoff to this great film comes at the end---you really must be patient. But when you get to those final scenes, well, there's not been a better movie I've seen this year, and I've seen some great ones.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. jeremyp
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    It's nice to watch a movie that leads you in one direction, then switches to another, and then switches yet again. Raquel has been a maid in the same household in Chile for 20 years. It shows. She's dour, sullen, angry, and the queen of passive aggressiveness. The wife of the household is a major enabler and keeps her on in spite of increasingly bizarre behavior. When new maids are hired to help Raquel out she makes life so uncomfortable they leave. Until one day a new maid arrives and instead of reacting to Raquel's spiteful acts and pulling away, she moves close and bonds with her and completely changes Raquel's behavior. Raquel blossoms. The question is will Raquel's change last without her new friend? Great acting, especially from the 2 maids!… Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    80
    At its midpoint, the film could go either way: toward "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" psychosis or something more hopeful and humanistic. It's a testament to Saavedra's tough performance that even with a happy ending, you wouldn't want to leave her with your kids.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Justin Lowe
    90
    This is strikingly talented cinema from a notable international filmmaker.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Justin Chang
    90
    Saavedra is riveting as a servant whose unblinking focus on her routine masks a profound loneliness.
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