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Murina

Country: brazil, croatia, slovenia, united_states

Year: 2022

Running time: 99

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8434110/reference/

Michael says: “A coming-of-age story simmering with sexual tension on an island in the Adriatic sea is the backdrop for this feature-length directorial debut by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic. The film opens with some great footage of teenaged Julia spear-fishing with her father Ante. While the two seem to work together well, it doesn’t take long to see the tension between them, and when they return home to join Julija’s mother, Nela it soon becomes clear that Ante is a bit of a controlling asshole, and life on this island paradise is limiting and isolating in dangerous ways. A surprise visit from Ante’s friend/idol and former boss, Javier changes dynamics markedly. Ante becomes obsessed with convincing Javier to partner with him on the purchase of some land on an island across the bay in order to build a resort to attract vacationing Italians. Julija slowly begins to see Javier as a way for her to escape the suffocating presence of her father and the isolation her island life forces upon her. Nela feels the power of her past relationship with Javier rise within her and conflict with the love and loyalty she feels for Ante, despite the detrimental effect he has on her daughter.

“Kusijanovic delivers a very strong first feature, with a powerful narrative, and a unique setting. Where it gets a little histrionic from time to time is balanced by the measured nuance she fosters for most of the film. The real standout here is the breakout performance by Gracie Filipovic as Julija, in her first feature role. Her physicality, her sullen rebellion, and her emerging sexuality combine in a powerful and effective way to tell this story. 4 cats“
Murina

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