Laszlo Nemes Presents a New Historical Drama at Venice
Following his deeply moving Holocaust film, “Son of Saul,” and the intricate story set in pre-war Budapest titled “Sunset,” Hungarian filmmaker László Nemes has returned to the Venice Film Festival with another compelling narrative. This time, his film delves into another dark chapter of Central European history during the 20th century, continuing his use of a distinct sepia tone in his visuals and demonstrating remarkable precision in his filmmaking techniques.
The film is set against the backdrop of the unsuccessful Hungarian revolt against Soviet dominion. It explores themes of generational conflict, particularly sons challenging the authority of their fathers, and the painful acceptance of a new regime of power. As with many Hungarians post-1956, the characters in the film grapple with the imposed rule from Moscow and the suppression of their national pride, which was often mislabeled as quasi-fascist. This left them culturally and politically isolated during a turbulent period.
The Central Figure: A Teen Struggling with Family Secrets
Contrary to what the title might suggest, the protagonist of the film, Andor, portrayed by Bojtorján Barábas, is not an orphan in the traditional sense, as his mother is still alive. Andor is depicted as a troubled and isolated teenager who clings to the memory of his father, Hirsch, who disappeared during World War II and may still be alive. He frequently engages in imaginary dialogues with his father, while his mother, played by Andrea Waskovics, works in a local grocery store.
Andor’s world is dramatically altered with the introduction of a new character, a crude and overbearing butcher portrayed by French actor Grégory Gadebois. This butcher not only intrudes on their lives but also insinuates a disturbing claim over Andor’s mother. As Andor learns more about this man, who might be his real father, he is overwhelmed by a mixture of denial and anger, particularly upon discovering the man’s past mistreatment of another family.
This revelation complicates Andor’s feelings immensely. His mother points out the paradox of his emotions: the more he detests the man, the more he finds himself similar to him. The butcher, despite his rough and often unpleasant demeanor, shows moments of genuine care towards Andor, suggesting his intentions to forge a real connection with his newfound family might be sincere.
A Heavy-handed Presentation
Despite the intriguing narrative, the film’s presentation can feel somewhat heavy and tedious at times. Nemes has a tendency to intensify the atmosphere, adding a weightiness that makes the film feel denser by about 20%. Furthermore, Barábas’s portrayal, while committed, sometimes comes off as overly theatrical, dominated by a persistent scowl of indignation.
Although it may not be regarded as one of Nemes’s major works, the film continues to highlight his unique perspective and skill in filmmaking, making it a noteworthy addition to his portfolio.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
