© AKIS BADO
“Toxic,” the directorial feature debut by Saulė Bliuvaite and winner of the Golden Leopard at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, is a holistic look into the realities of a community in a Lithuanian industrial town. The film centers on 13-year-old Maria (Vesta Matulyte), who, after being abandoned by her mother, is left to survive a harsh world with only her grandmother as a guardian. This isn’t a story about easy resolutions or hopeful escapes; it’s about survival and the fleeting connections that offer some semblance of comfort amidst the turmoil of life in a bleak lower-class industrial village. The film’s portrayal of a community trapped in cycles of poverty and exploitation feels authentic, particularly through its focus on Maria’s evolving relationship with Kristina (Ieva Rupeikaite), another girl her age with dreams of becoming a fashion model.
Director: Saulė Bliuvaite
Year: 2024
Country: Lithuania
Original Title: Akiplėša
Runtime: 99 minutes
When we first see Maria, she is standing in the middle of a locker room, framed in a way that emphasizes her isolation. The scene is tense, with whispers echoing in the background as other girls mock her for her limp and outdated swimsuit. The insults—“Did you see how she walks? She has a limp” and “Retard”—quickly immerse the viewer in the film’s harsh, unforgiving environment, where even those on the margins of society fight to establish a social hierarchy. Maria is the new girl, bullied and stripped of her clothes, left alone in a hostile environment. Desperate to reclaim her belongings, she discovers that Kristina has taken her pants, leading to a physical confrontation. Yet, this initial clash lays the foundation for an unexpected friendship as the two girls bond over a shared ambition: escaping their grim reality through a dubious modeling agency that holds auditions in town, promising a way out of their miserable existence. Their relationship becomes the emotional core of the film, as they navigate a world where even dreams are commodified and used against them.
What sets “Toxic” apart from other films that have tackled similar themes before is Bliuvaite’s ability to paint a nuanced picture of a lower-class community without falling into exploitation or misery porn. The film, which is reminiscent of Ulrich Seidl’s work—think his version of Harmony Korine’s “Gummo,” but with a distinctly female gaze—but where Seidl might lean into discomfort for its own sake, Bliuvaite offers empathy. Bliuvaite’s directorial approach is both sharp and intimate, and her precise control of framing shines throughout the film. Every shot is composed to keep the setting and the characters’ socio-economic struggles at the forefront. The context is ever-present, not only in the narrative but in the visual language of the film. Factories spewing pollution loom in the background, dilapidated buildings crowd the edges of the frame, and the ever-present sound of flies is a constant reminder of the decay surrounding the characters. This careful attention to the environment ensures that the audience is never allowed to forget the bleak conditions that shape Maria and Kristina’s personalities.
Another of the film’s many strengths is its refusal to confine itself to Maria and Kristina’s story. Bliuvaite weaves in vignettes that explore the lives of other community members, adding layers to the film’s depiction of life in this town. These scenes, some filled with humor, others with quiet moments of love, contrast sharply with the socioeconomic challenges faced by the residents, providing scenes of humanity. This broader perspective enriches the film, making it clear that while Maria’s story is central, it’s just one element in a much larger context of struggle and survival.
The heart of “Toxic,” though, lies in its portrayal of Maria and Kristina. What stands out is the pure authenticity in this portrayal. The casting of real people, not polished actors, grounds the film in reality. One can feel the weight of their experiences, the lived history behind their eyes. This choice by Bliuvaite only increases the film’s impact and ensures that it never strays into the territory of exploitation. The care with which the director handles her characters and themes is evident in every shot, making “Toxic” a film that feels both intimate and expansive. Vesta Matulyte and Ieva Rupeikaite deliver performances that feel entirely lived-in, avoiding the artificiality that often plagues portrayals of working-class life when portrayed by experienced actors. Their chemistry is undeniable, creating a bond that feels tender and real.
“Toxic” is not simply a film about two girls struggling to survive in a tough environment, but an exploration of the broader context that shapes their lives. Bliuvaite’s direction is sharp and purposeful, guiding the audience through a world that is relentless, exploitative, but one in which a connection can be just enough to guide one through. With “Toxic”, Bliuvaite offers a glimpse into lives often overlooked, yet portrayed here with the dignity and empathy they deserve.
“Toxic” premiered at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, where it won the Golden Leopard for Best Film.
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