Filthy (Tereza Nvotova, 2017): Czech Republic, Slovakia

Reviewed by Thomas J Miller.  Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. 2018.

This coming of age film was presented with truth and an understanding that shows us how fragile young lives are. Director Tereza Nvotova takes us so close to this character’s heartbeat we understand Lena’s every thought, feeling her pain and suffering. Lena’s innocence is savagely taken from her by someone who her family members trust and keep close. The story is a vivid example of how those that need to be close, to help us through our most difficult moments, are the ones that are furthest from helping because they are lost in their own journey of confusion and despair.

Committed to a mental institution, Lena tries to keep her distance from the other patients, because she does not want to share her pain or let anyone close to further intrude on her life. The supervising therapist is far removed from understanding what Lena has gone through and encourages a free for all of accusations and harassment. Lena triumphs against all odds to overcome the utter chaos, as she begins to make sense of her plight. She understands that healing requires exposing all personal aspects of the crime and sets her sights on her attacker.

The story moved with the elegance of a dance and the characters were believable and honest. This was one of the most impressive films during the 2018, Santa Barbara International Film Festival.