“Freedom is the most dangerous art form.”
VIBE CHECK:
Historical Epic / Political Thriller / Gritty Noir / Soulful Drama
THE PLOT:
Set in 1957 Communist Yugoslavia, the film follows four close friends—Lovro, Nenad, Stevan, and Ivan—who were once brave partisans fighting Nazis, only to become renowned filmmakers. However, their status doesn't protect them when the Party begins to suspect them of "moral deviance" due to their homosexuality. Emir, a loyal party member, is sent to infiltrate their circle and sabotage their lives. What follows is a high-stakes psychological game where the line between hunter and prey blurs, and the cost of truth becomes a matter of survival.
THE QUEER & RADICAL ANGLE:
Resistance Through Joy: The radical core of the film is seeing these men live their sexuality freely in a system designed to crush individuality. It reframes queer history not just as a struggle, but as an act of defiance.
The Complexity of Loyalty: By focusing on Emir (the antagonist sent to destroy them), the film explores the radical idea of change—showing how witnessing authentic queer love can dismantle even the most rigid ideological brainwashing.
WHY IT KILLS:
Director Ivona Juka delivers a visual masterpiece that earned the Audience Award at Frameline49. It’s raw, featuring intense performances (especially by Emir Hadžihafizbegović and Dado Ćosić) and an atmospheric score by Michael Brook. It’s a haunting reminder that systems demand allegiance, but the human heart demands freedom. As it hits Croatian cinemas this spring 2026, it stands as a monumental achievement in regional queer cinema.
POWER SCORE: 9.6 / 10 📽️🇭🇷
