This indie film is a really powerful look at how a community can suffocate you and the hidden corners young people have to find just to be themselves in so many European towns, even with all the progress we've seen lately. The whole story plays out while the town is bracing for a massive, raging flood, and you just can't shake the feeling that some kind of intense reckoning or unavoidable doom is headed their way. To be honest, I didn't go in with super high expectations, but the way it’s put together makes it a seriously compelling watch. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see an LGBT-themed movie coming out of Croatia! The story follows Marko, a popular 18-year-old kid who seems to have it all—he’s got a girlfriend, he’s a competitive arm wrestler, and he’s well-liked at school. When he isn't in class, he’s usually hanging out with his brother, who has a disability, or helping his mom out in her greenhouse. Everything gets flipped upside down when a guy named Slaven ...
Mason and Mitchel are twin teenage brothers. Mitchel recently passed away the their younger sister Molly wants to do a memorial wake after a few months of his passing. The elder sister also comes to town and there is a surprise visitor Jameson, who was invited by Mason. Through multiple flashbacks we are told that Mitchel was gay, Jameson was his boyfriend and that Mitchel was going through some sort of depression. Its not made clear whether it was due to his sexuality or there were other reasons too. The majority of the family is in the dark about Mitchel’s life, and Mason is left to deal with the guilt and trauma of losing his brother. Slowly secrets come out during the ceremony, where the elder sister tells the family that Mitchel's death was not accidental overdose but was possibly suicide. All these issues are handled and talked in a very realistic way.
The heart of the film is in the right place. A small indie film like this can absolutely be polished at many places, but despite its shortcomings, I was thoroughly engrossed in the film and a lot has o do with some excellent cast and acting. The actor playing twin brothers is just amazing. He is gorgeous and acts as two brothers amazingly well. You can feel the pain. As Mason, he is full of guilt, blaming himself for his brother’s death, and his rage and helplessness push the family to the breaking point. And same goes for Jameson as the estranged boyfriend who is also struggling with what has hit him. His silence spoke so much of his pain, especially since pretty much noon in the family was even aware of his existence, forget knowing that Mitchel was gay and had a boyfriend. His quiet strength brings a calm to the sadness. The younger sister is a bot dramatic and that could have been toned down a bit and remaining cast was ok. You do see the family which is overall pretty conservative and religious and growing up gay in that environment was probably not the easiest for Mitchel. There is a lot of talking, as you can imagine, but the film continues to focus on what its meant to. It tells a story of a family coping with the loss of their brother, their son, and their grandson. There are honest moments where chills happen. It’s wonderful storytelling and impactful LGBTQ representation.
I would highly recommend this film despite its shortcomings. Watch it for an important topic and for the wonderful acting by its lead actor who keeps the film shining. I am all for indie films with a purpose like this one anyway over some other random crap that we see in the name of cinema. The makers shines a light on the ways conflicts could be healed, through tolerance and understanding, both in the family and the culture. (7.5/10)
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