A Journey Through Grief and Renewal

Read Time:4 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Moja & Vesna
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2022, 2024
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Sara Kern
Writer(s): Sara Kern
Cast: Loti Kovacic, Mackenzie Mazur, Gregor Bakovic, Flora Feldman, Claudia Karvan
Language: English, Slovenian with English Subtitles
Where To Watch: makes its North American premiere on SVOD service IndiePix Unlimited on January 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: MOJA & VESNA offers a profoundly emotional and intimate portrayal of a Slovenian family’s journey through loss and the tentative steps towards new beginnings. Set in the unassuming suburbs of Melbourne, this film marks a noteworthy directorial debut for Sara Kern, distinguished by its heartening storyline and remarkable performances, particularly by the young Loti Kovacic as Moja. If this film doesn’t get to you, I honestly don’t know what will. You’ll be forgiven if you sometimes forget this is a drama, not a documentary!

Kern’s directorial debut is a fresh breath in cinema, blending autobiographical elements into a narrative that resonates with universal themes of loss, immigration, and family dynamics. The film’s setting in a modest suburb adds an authentic backdrop to the story, with the home and unseen elements transforming into a silent character, echoing the family's unspoken grief.

Kern's use of visual storytelling is evident in MOJA & VESNA. The film's 4:3 aspect ratio creates an intimate, almost suffocating atmosphere, bringing viewers closer to the family's emotional experience. It was noticeably distracting for the first few minutes, but once I got into the film, the only reason I knew it was there was because of the effect of the visual experience. Cinematographer Lev Predan Kowalski employs a visual language that enhances the film's emotional depth, making each frame a testament to the family’s evolving dynamics. Ranging from extreme close-ups to wide, long shots, the film uses these elements to translate the feelings of the moments without a word.

The evolving relationship between Moja and her older sister, Vesna, is central to the narrative. Mackenzie Mazur’s portrayal of Vesna is compelling, and she shows impressive depth and the results of untreated trauma from various aspects. Their strained yet tender interactions reflect the complexities of sibling relationships shaped by shared grief. Vesna’s pregnancy and the fallout from the emotional toll it takes add another dimension, symbolizing life's unyielding march and the nuanced complexities of their changing roles within the family.

MOJA & VESNA thoughtfully explores themes of immigration and cultural identity through the family’s adjustment to life in Australia. Gregor Bakovic’s portrayal of Moja & Vesna’s father, Milos, offers a profound look into the challenges of communication and connection in a new land, highlighting the lesser-seen struggles of immigrant families and showing how often it's more manageable for some to adjust than others.

The performances in MOJA & VESNA are a highlight, with Kovacic and Mazur delivering deeply authentic and touching portrayals. Their ability to convey the intricacies of their characters' emotional journeys makes the film a memorable and impactful experience, lingering with the audience well past its conclusion. I promise this relationship will feel familiar if you have a sibling or friend you’re close to.

MOJA & VESNA transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, inviting viewers to engage with and reflect on their experiences with loss and the enduring power of family bonds. In her first feature, Kern proves herself as a filmmaker with a unique vision and deep empathy for human emotions. Balancing the weight of heartbreak with a glimmer of hope, this film is a compelling watch for anyone who appreciates cinema that not only tells a story but also touches the heart and provokes thought.

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[photo courtesy of INDIEPIX FILMS, SWEETSHOP & GREEN, CVINGER FILM]

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