DVD: The Maid (15)

This subtle drama dissects the tensions between a wealthy family and their loyal but sullen live-in maid, Raquel. What is a strained relationship from the brilliantly thorny opening birthday party scene, gradually gets imbued with a deepening sense of menace.

The maid (Catalina Saavedra) appears to veer towards the psychotic following the arrival of another maid, who she soon terrorises out of the house. While Silva's direction seem to be simmering towards Haneke-esque disaster, the film suddenly blossoms with something like hope when Raquel tentatively strikes up a new friendship. An occasionally funny, often uncomfortable, but always sensitively observed film.