I love a good underdog movie, and the sweet Three Summers definitely fits into that category. A great movie for a rainy winters day.

Set in Brazil, the movie tells the story of charismatic housekeeper Marta (Gisele Froes). Like most people who take on this role she appears to be the glue holding her wealthy clients family together. She intuitively knows what each member needs whether it’s comfort or a carefully worded suggestion.

We meet the wealthy family setting up for the Christmas festivities over threes summers. The first, in 2015, is a lavish affair, with family and friends swarming all over the luxurious home by the beach. The only person missing the party is the elderly grandfather who prefers to stay in his room.

Marta has spent many weeks organizing what turns out to be a fantastic event. She’s hopeful this will ensure she gets the loan she’s asked for. She’s found the perfect spot to set up a small kiosk and sell her sought after food, all she needs is the deposit. But she needs it now.

As the crowd settles to watch home movies, patriarch Edgar (Otavio Muller) leaves the room to take a phone call, one of many to come.

The following year we see Marta has been able to set up her kiosk. The $10,000 required was provided by Edgar, all Marta had to do was sell him her mobile phone, deal. Things look good. But then the annual party is abruptly cancelled and the family is nowhere to be seen. The champagne is on ice, the food has arrived. What to do?

As time rolls on, the family is still missing and staff haven’t been paid for months. While the staff settle into the house as if it were their own Marta has to come up with a solution.

By the third summer things have worsened further and the police arrive.

I was worried this movie might have been a version of the highly successful Minari. Thankfully it wasn’t. It stands alone as its own story. The title keeps you interested in what will happen next year. Look out for a great boat tour scene.

Rating 6.5/10

For more information go to Luna Cinemas