Helena (the excellent Eliška Křenková) leaves her family and medical studies to start a family and help build the Baťa-inspired town of Svit in a rural mountain area with her husband, Alois, a factory director. Although outspoken and unafraid to stand up for what’s right, she initially takes a backseat to Alois’ ambitions, but launches her own secret investigation when the shocking discovery of a dead intersex newborn is made in their factory. Facing resistance from both local authorities and her husband, all eager to protect the status quo and image of progress, Helena becomes determined to expose the hidden truths, even as it risks her marriage and her life. Set on the brink of WWII this beautifully shot detective drama masterfully explores privilege, prejudice, and gender identity, delving into themes of otherness in a rapidly modernizing society.
Matěj Chlupáček, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic 2023; 117´, English subtitles
Cast: Eliška Křenková, Miloslav König, Milan Ondrík, Richard Langdon, Martha Issová
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
13 nominations for Czech Lion Award 2023
The Best Screenplay The Sun in the Net Festival 2023
Responses