Tag Archives: Slovenia

Locarno 2025 Review: “God Will Not Help”

God Will Not Help, the sophomore feature from Croatian director Hana Jušić, is a poetic work on grief, faith, and the universal experiences of women within a patriarchal society. Led by powerful performances from its two stars Manuela Martelli as Teresa and Ana Marija Veselčić as Milena, the film explores how solidarity between the oppressed is able to form even in silence and cultural differences, and how it becomes their only shield against subjugation.

Karlovy Vary 2024 Review: “Celebration”

Bruno Anković’s debut film “Celebration,” which premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), is a haunting exploration of moral ambiguity and historical trauma. Set from pre- to post-World War II Croatia, the film delves into the stark and brutal world of Mijo, a man caught in the desperate struggle for survival during a time when his country was torn apart by political and ideological conflict. With its elliptical narrative and unsettling themes, Celebration offers a grim meditation on how suffering and desperation can trick one into following the dark path of fascism.

TIFF 2023 Review: “Not a Word”

“Not a Word,” The latest film from Slovenian-German director Hanna Slak, presents a psychologically profound examination of the troubled dynamic between a mother and her quiet son. Set between Germany and France’s wintery, frigid landscapes, the drama delves into the effects of passion and emotional neglect on its central characters. The story captures how the mother’s professional ambitions lead to a growing distance between parent and child, ultimately impacting the son’s emotional growth. With its jarring narrative, “Not a Word” delivers a stunning commentary on passion, communication, and parenting. It’s a compelling look at a woman torn between her passion and the real-world emotional needs of her child that she’s failing to meet.