The personal devastation caused by a brutal political regime is explored in this elegant, emotionally affecting drama from Brazilian director Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries). Based on a true story, I’m Still Here is a 70s-set study of female strength and survival revolving around a plucky, Academy Award-nominated turn from Fernanda Torres, whose mother, Fernanda Montenegro (star of Central Station), briefly appears. Also nominated for the Best Picture and Best International Feature Oscars, the film focuses on Eunice Paiva (Torres), the mother of five children, who lives a joyful life in Rio de Janeiro with her loving husband Rubens (Selton Mello). Rubens is a former congressman who has returned to Brazil following his self-imposed exile at the outset of the country’s military coup.

It’s 1970 and, with the military still very much in charge and the situation becoming more volatile, Rubens, Eunice and their teenage daughter Eliana (Luiza Kosovski) are arrested without explanation. Although Eunice and Eliana are later returned home, Rubens joins the ranks of the disappeared. Despite the terrible context, Salles imbues much of his film with a surprising warmth, giving us glowing depictions of gregarious gatherings and domestic bliss, while a teenager’s self-filmed footage of her travels to a snowy London provokes fascination and laughter. It makes for a powerful contrast to what’s to come.

Perhaps conceived with one eye on its international appeal, I’m Still Here doesn’t feel as politically meaty as it might have been. However, it stands on the shoulders of Torres’ gloriously nuanced, ever-evolving turn, as she takes her character from happy housewife to someone who fights ferociously for her family, and for others.

I’m Still Here is in cinemas from Friday 21 February.