A Gripping Tale of Survival and Morality

Read Time:3 Minute, 30 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Behind the Haystacks (Piso apo tis thimonies)
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Genre: Drama, Family, Thriller
Year Released: 2022, 2024 streaming
Runtime: 1h 58m
Director(s): Asimina Proedrou
Writer(s): Asimina Proedrou
Cast: Stathis Stamoulakatos, Eleni Ouzounidou, Evgenia Lavda, Christos Kontogeorgis, Dina Mihailidou, Paschalis Tsarouchas
Language: Greek with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiere exclusively on Film Movement Plus on January 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Allow yourself to be engulfed in a narrative that’s more than just a drama in BEHIND THE HAYSTACKS—it’s a raw and compelling exploration of a family’s struggle against the backdrop of the 2015 refugee crisis in Northern Greece. Director Asimina Proedrou crafts a multifaceted portrayal of socio-political chaos combined with intense personal battles, making every scene tug at your heartstrings.

The film’s core lies in the portrayal of Stergios, brought to life by Stathis Stamoulakatos. Stergios epitomizes desperation and moral turmoil—a farmer and fisherman thrown into a life of moral chaos. This journey, which he embarks on with his brother-in-law Dimitris (played by Paschalis Tsarouchas), is eye-opening, impacting not only him but also his wife Maria (Eleni Ouzounidou) and daughter Anastasia (Evgenia Lavda). Their journeys add layers to the film, enriching the story with a deeper depth and feeling.

Proedrou’s direction offers each film segment as though resonating like a movement in a symphony. The narrative is split into three parts, delving deep into its characters’ psyches, allowing the audience to connect with each individual’s journey. This triptych approach adds to the storytelling and brings a unique perspective to the unfolding events.

BEHIND THE HAYSTACKS examines the grim reality of the refugee crisis head-on, presenting a raw and unfiltered look at the societal and personal conflicts that arise. Proedrou tackles themes of corruption, moral decline, and the struggle between duty and survival, grounding her film in a relatable yet profoundly moving reality and feeling almost documentary-like in its coverage of pressing topics.

The performances in the film are nothing short of remarkable. The actors don’t merely play their roles; they embody them, infusing their characters with a rawness. Stergios’ transformation from a man of simplicity to one caught in ethical dilemmas is portrayed with an intensity that strikes a chord. You are pulled so deeply into these explorations that you feel like you’re in the story.

The film’s exploration of societal intricacies adds darkness to its narrative, contrasting the natural beauty of Greece with the harrowing human experiences. This duality, captured by Proedrou, ensures that the film remains engaging and thought-provoking.

BEHIND THE HAYSTACKS goes beyond merely portraying a family in crisis. It’s a reflection on the impact of our choices and a commentary on what it means to be human. It bridges personal narratives with broader themes, reminding us of the often blurred lines between right and wrong in distress.

BEHIND THE HAYSTACKS gives us a narrative that resonates with viewers. Proedrou has created a cinematic experience that eloquently tells a deeply personal story within the larger world that it inhabits. This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates cinema that explores the minutiae of human experiences and the moral complexities that accompany them.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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