No. 9 (2022) MURINA Feb. 3rd.

 

Film No. 9 (2022)  February 3rd.  8:00  PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.                        

"You'll just wear what ever he tells you to wear anyway!" (Julija responds to her mother, Nela's, plea for help in choosing a party outfit).

Described as a gritty coming of age drama, Murina should not be confused with any other film of this genre. A genre that most often builds warmth and wisdom into the key characters you've spent screen time with. This film has uncomfortable, nasty undertones, but our hero, Julija is one special person. Gracija Filipovic has delivered a character of such strength and resolve, MURINA will remain in your thoughts for days afterwards.

Shot on the rugged rocks of southern Croatia around the island of Kolocep (near Dubrovnic) MURINA is layered with a juxtaposition of the rugged beauty of the coastal setting, and the softer, attractive images of Julija and her mother Nela (Danica Curcic), both trapped into lives they have next to no control over. As father and husband, Ante (Leon Lucev) is an A Grade narcissist. He controls "his" women, they are his property. 

Enter Javier (Cliff Curtis), a friend of Ante's from past sailing days. Javier was in love with Nela before she became Ante's lover and property. Javier is back to talk deals with Ante, who wants to expand his minor hospitality enterprise on the island. Well, that's what we are led to believe.

Javier offers (certainly in Julija's eyes), a way out. He talks to her of her potential, and the possibility of new horizons. Suddenly she has a father figure she can trust and who she can believe in. Nela? well, we are never certain of what she really thinks or the secrets she holds.

There are holes in the narrative. First time feature director Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic has layered a series of mysterious scenes which allude to past relationships between Ante, Nela and Javier. She issues them as if  they will be resolved by film's end. These distractions take us from the real focal point, Julija.  

Julija will have you mesmerised by films end. Coming of age this film may be, but we have great admiration for a girl who should have had all her self-esteem eroded through her teens, yet is a tower of strength. There is not a young character I have wanted more to see revisited in 20 years time than Julija. Given the power of film, I hope there are young people, who see MURINA and feel a greater resolve about who they are, and where they are headed, no matter their family or social circumstances.  10GUMS.