Maria 2018
Catarina Neves Ricci's gripping short drama *Maria (2018)* dives deep into the quiet desperation of a woman whose nights in Porto's dimly lit streets have blurred into years.
Director: Catarina Neves Ricci
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maria (2018) about?
The film follows Maria, a woman in Porto who works as a sex worker by night and a seamstress by day, clinging to the fragile hope that her loyal client José might finally give her a child. As years pass and the city's streets grow emptier, her quiet struggle underscores the cost of unfulfilled promises and the harsh reality of survival.
Who directed Maria?
Catarina Neves Ricci brings a delicate yet unflinching hand to this short drama, grounding the story in authentic emotional detail.
Who stars in Maria?
The film features Valerie Braddell in the lead role, joined by António Fonseca, Márcia Breia, and Monica Calle in pivotal supporting performances.
Is Maria (2018) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, Maria stands out for its emotional depth and the power of Braddell's performance. As a short drama, it offers a poignant, if difficult, exploration of loneliness and resilience—ideal for viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling.
How long is Maria?
The film runs for 27 minutes.
About Maria (2018) — A raw, intimate story of resilience and regret
Catarina Neves Ricci's gripping short drama *Maria (2018)* dives deep into the quiet desperation of a woman whose nights in Porto's dimly lit streets have blurred into years. By day, Maria stitches clothes and cleans, but as dusk falls, she steps back into the shadows, trading dignity for survival as an aging sex worker. Her only steady companion is José, a married man who once promised change but could never deliver her the one thing she longed for—a son. With raw intimacy and unflinching honesty, this 27-minute film strips away romanticized notions of resilience, revealing the toll of unmet dreams in a world that has moved on without her.
Ricci crafts a haunting portrait of solitude and fleeting hope, where the weight of the past clings to every gesture. Valerie Braddell embodies Maria's weary strength with a performance that lingers long after the credits roll, capturing the bittersweet tension between endurance and surrender.