Irina dreams of leaving the family business in rural Romania to study at the university in Bucharest. Her family want Irina to stay where she is. Irina’s older cousin, Liviu, is especially dismissive of Irina’s goals, and frequently turns to violence to undermine and belittle her. But what does it take before the oppressed can become the oppressor? In her debut feature, Alina Grigore drops us directly into a tension-filled atmosphere and skilfully turns up the pressure as we are transfixed by Iona Chitu’s mesmerising performance as Irina.

(Copy written by Si Edwards)

Winner, Golden Shell Award for Best Film, San Sebastian Film Festival 2021

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