Highly unconventional film from start to finish with its highs and lows.

Even though its “on paper” structure is quite standard: introduction, three parts, and conclusion. It is its content and approach what makes it completely unique.

To start it shocks you with some pure amateur sex montage which puts into shame most of the sex scenes that you see in any other sorts of commercial movies. Probably since La Vie d’Adèle (2013, dir. Abdellatif Kechiche) that sex did not play such a central role in a movie while being so well integrated in it. But, while for the 2013 French movie sex was depicted in a more sensual and romantic style in Radu Jude’s picture it is shown in a more raw and dry way.

After this introductory part we get into the body of the movie, and we see the ramifications of the opening event on the life of a secondary teacher from a highly respected school.

Although, as we advanced, the way in which the movie develops is highly unusual.

First the film proceeds half-way through the observational type of documentary, taking a look on the pandemic set Bucharest with solely tiny snippets referring to the plot. Although some shots from the city are quite beautiful, this part suffers of being way too slow at many times, and it gets a bit lost in trying to juggle these two different aspects: the showing of the city and the evolving of the story.

Then, the next part, a succession of short vignettes going over several universal concepts and ideas, as well as different elements from Romania history and culture is presented. The way it is done, with various montages using pictures, old footage, modern recordings… added to the messages is incredibly immersive and interesting. A complete win.

This part can initially be perceived as a complete disconnection and isolated element from the rest of the film, but it is when we get into the third part, which is basically a debate around sexuality, politics and moral, that we actually see the thread from everything that has previously been presented to us and becomes incredibly useful to follow the discussion. Still, once again the pace seems to go down once again on this segment, and even though you feel how the director wants to keep it lively, through various sardonic gestures and interventions, it does not completely grab you.

For the ending I will not say anything else other than it will also definitely surprise you, it is up to you what you make out of it!

In summary, a surprising movie with an incredibly original format that excels when it goes into its most experimental but becomes more average when it tries to put the message and plot forward in a more straightforward manner. Still, a highly worth watch just for the simple fact that it allows you to break out from the more standard and mainstream movie constructions, and it definitely opens your mind to the true capabilities of cinema as an art form.