The psychological thriller Salve Rosa, helmed by director Susanna Lira, has successfully transitioned from the film festival circuit to a nationwide release across Brazil, drawing significant attention. This compelling feature, produced in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, tackles the urgent contemporary issue of digital vulnerability and the critical necessity of safeguarding the younger generation amidst pervasive online activity. The film’s narrative resonates deeply in a society grappling with the consequences of constant connectivity. It officially premiered in theaters on October 23rd, securing screenings in 220 venues throughout the country, including major metropolitan hubs such as Salvador, Fortaleza, and the iconic Rio de Janeiro.
The narrative centers on Rosa, a 13-year-old girl who has achieved significant fame as an internet influencer, reportedly boasting a following of two million fans drawn primarily to her engaging toy review content. However, her carefully curated public existence is shattered following a dramatic and unsettling incident at her school. This pivotal event compels the young protagonist to launch a deeply personal and dangerous investigation into her own past, a quest that immediately jeopardizes her personal safety and stability.
Rosa's dangerous pursuit of the truth further strains her already fraught relationship with her mother, Dora, whose protective instincts border on the obsessive and controlling. The film masterfully explores the suffocating reality of Rosa's life, where her mother exerts total control over nearly every aspect of her existence, extending even to her daily diet and public persona, despite the outward appearance of professional success. Karin Teles delivers a chilling and nuanced performance as Dora, creating an oppressive atmosphere where this relentless overprotection serves as a deliberate mask for deeply buried family secrets poised to surface and unravel their lives. The tension between the desire for freedom and the fear of exposure drives the core drama.
The performances have garnered significant praise from critics and industry observers alike. Clara Castanho, who embodies the demanding role of Rosa, received high recognition for her powerful and sensitive work, notably earning the Best Actress award at the prestigious Festival do Rio in 2025. Castanho effectively portrays the exhausting duality of Rosa's existence—a public star navigating the complexities of fame while simultaneously being constrained by private tyranny and maternal manipulation.
Director Lira, known for previous acclaimed works such as Mussum, um Filme do Cacildis (2018) and Fernanda Young – Foge-me ao Controle (2024), expressed her intention for Salve Rosa to function as a mirror reflecting pressing societal concerns about modern parenting and digital life. She voiced hope that the film’s release would ignite a much-needed public dialogue regarding this sensitive subject, which often remains relegated to the realm of the taboo in family discussions. This gripping suspense feature has a running time of 1 hour 35 minutes and carries an age restriction rating of 16+, challenging viewers to contemplate the necessary limits of security and oversight in our increasingly digitalized world.