In 'Roma,' A Director Re-Creates The City — And The Caretaker — Of His Youth

In 'Roma,' A Director Re-Creates The City — And The Caretaker — Of His Youth Enlarge this image toggle caption Carlos Somonte/Netflix Carlos Somonte/Netflix In his new film, Alfonso Cuarón brings back to life the middle-class neighborhood where he grew up — the street vendors, the barking dogs, the occasional parade. Roma focuses on Cleo, a character based on Cuarón's real-life nanny and housekeeper: Liboria Rodríguez, known as "Libo." He says he came to realize he grew up with what he calls a "perverse relationship of convenience" — Libo was part of the family, but also the hired help. "And it's also always played by a very white actress," Cuarón says. Outside the Cine Tonalá movie theater in Mexico City's Roma district last weekend, 13-year-old Danae Quiroz said the movie made her reflect on Mexico's classism and racism toward domestic workers.