The Maid ****

Well observed, well written, and well acted, "The Maid" presents a rather claustrophobic look at the life of an almost family member in a well-off family in Chile. Having done much to raise the four children, Raquel is experiencing conflicts in the household, and literal headaches, and must confront a new maid brought in to help her and smooth relations. She dispatches one new maid after the other until a spirited girl from the country helps her look outside the garden walls. It's a gem, and sure to bring recognition to all involved, especially Catalina Saavedra as the maid, and to writer/director Sebastian Silva.

Not rated. 95 minutes. Sebastian Silva - Director / Writer (story) (writer), Pedro Peirano - Writer (writer), Gregorio Gonzalez - Producer, Sergio Armstrong - Cinematographer, Danielle Fillios - Editor. Produced by Forestero. Distributed in the U.S. by Elephant Eye Films. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Principal actors: Catalina Saavedra, Claudia Celedon, Alejandro Goic, Andrea Garcia-Guidobro, Mariana Loyola, Augustin Silva.