So, you’re looking for the movie everyone’s been whispering about since the last awards season. You probably saw the headlines about Fernanda Torres or maybe you caught a snippet of that hauntingly beautiful 1970s Rio de Janeiro footage. Now you’re sitting on your couch, remote in hand, asking: where can I watch I’m Still Here without running into a digital dead end?
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess.
Depending on where you live—and which "I’m Still Here" you’re actually looking for—the answer changes. If you’re after the 2024 Brazilian masterpiece directed by Walter Salles (The Motorcycle Diaries), it isn't as simple as clicking a button on Netflix just yet. Well, for most of you.
The 2024 Movie: Where to Stream Walter Salles’ Masterpiece
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Ainda Estou Aqui (the original Portuguese title) isn't just another historical drama. It’s the true story of Eunice Paiva, a mother of five who had to reinvent her entire existence after her husband was snatched by the military dictatorship in 1971.
It won Best Screenplay at Venice. It took home the Oscar for Best International Feature Film. People are obsessed. But as of January 2026, here is the actual situation for streaming:
The Netflix Situation
In the United States, Sony Pictures Classics handled the theatrical run. Because of an existing multi-year deal between Sony and Netflix, the movie eventually landed on Netflix. If you are in the U.S., it likely hit the platform around May 2025.
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However, if you’re in Brazil, the situation is different. The film was co-produced by Globoplay. That’s where it lives there. If you’re trying to find where can I watch I’m Still Here in its home country, you’re headed to the Globo ecosystem, where it debuted in April 2025.
Digital Rentals (VOD)
Not a Netflix subscriber? You aren't out of luck. In the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe, you can find it for rent or purchase on:
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play Movies
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu)
Typically, a 4K rental goes for about $5.99, while buying a digital copy to keep costs around $12.99.
The UK Gap
The UK was a bit late to the party. Altitude Film Distribution didn't even get it into theaters until late February 2025. If you're in London or Manchester wondering why it’s not on your local streaming service, it’s because the physical Blu-ray only dropped in June 2025. Check Curzon Home Cinema or the usual suspects like Amazon UK for the digital version.
Wait, Are You Looking for the Joaquin Phoenix Movie?
This happens a lot. Like, a lot.
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There is another movie called I'm Still Here from 2010. It’s that weird, "is-it-real-or-not" mockumentary where Joaquin Phoenix pretended to quit acting to become a terrible rapper. If that’s the chaos you’re looking for, you’re in a completely different neighborhood.
The 2010 Casey Affleck-directed film is much easier to find because it’s older. You can usually stream it on Kanopy (if you have a library card) or Philo. It’s also available for a few bucks on basically every digital storefront like Prime Video and YouTube.
Just don't accidentally rent the Joaquin Phoenix one when you're in the mood for a heartbreaking Brazilian political thriller. You will be very, very confused.
Why This Film is Currently Trending So Hard
It’s not just because of the awards. Walter Salles took a decade-long break from feature films before coming back for this. He actually knew the Paiva family in real life. That intimacy shows up on screen.
The movie follows Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres. Her mother, the legendary Fernanda Montenegro (who was nominated for an Oscar for Salles' Central Station years ago), also appears as the older version of Eunice. It’s a generational torch-passing that most critics called the "cinematic event of the decade."
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The True Story Behind the Screen
When people search for where can I watch I’m Still Here, they’re often looking for the history as much as the movie. It’s based on the memoir by Marcelo Rubens Paiva. His father, Rubens Paiva, was a former congressman who was "disappeared."
The film doesn't focus on the torture or the violence in a "shouty" Hollywood way. It’s about the quiet, agonizing wait of a family. It’s about the Super 8 home movies that represent a lost world. That’s why the demand is so high—it’s a ghost story where the ghost is a missing father and a stolen democracy.
How to Get the Best Viewing Experience
If you’ve finally tracked down a place to watch it, do yourself a favor: watch it in the original Portuguese with subtitles. The English dub—if you even find one—strips away the raw emotion in Fernanda Torres' voice. This isn't a "background movie." It’s a "phone-in-the-other-room" movie. The sound design, particularly the way Salles uses silence and the ambient noise of 1970s Rio, is half the experience.
Quick Checklist for Streaming:
- Check your region: U.S. viewers should start with Netflix or Apple TV.
- Verify the year: Ensure it says "2024" or mentions Walter Salles.
- Check for "Ainda Estou Aqui": Sometimes it’s listed under its Brazilian name on international platforms.
- Physical Media: If you’re a cinephile, the Criterion Collection often picks up Sony Pictures Classics titles, though a 2026 release date for a boutique physical edition is still rumored.
Actionable Steps to Watch Right Now
Stop scrolling and do this:
- If you have Netflix (US/Canada): Search for "I’m Still Here" and look for the thumbnail featuring a woman in 70s clothing near a beach.
- If you are in Brazil: Open your Globoplay app; it’s likely in the "Premium" or "Cinema" section.
- If you are in the UK/Australia: Head to the Apple TV store. It’s the most reliable way to find the 2024 version without dealing with regional licensing blackouts on subscription services.
- Check Kanopy: If you're a student or have a participating public library card, you might be able to stream the 2024 film for free depending on their current Sony Pictures Classics rotation.
Watching this movie isn't just about "consuming content." It’s about seeing a piece of history that was suppressed for decades finally get its moment in the light.