Ida

[Lottery]

Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski
Written by Pawel Pawlikowski and Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Starring Agata Kulesza and Agata Trzebuchowska

Trailer is here as a formality, probably best ignored.




Absolutely fantastic film. Subtle, measured and spare. Each development in the story has a surprising level of impact despite the delicate execution. So go in blind. I love films like this, ones that are so simple yet so affecting and involving- some may find it a little too austere but it never feels like it's wanting for an extra drama. The film trusts the audience to fill in the gaps, not bothering with minor details or trivialities which makes the film a faster experience than one would think. The cinematography was notable, I was initially surprised by the kinda unconventional shot composition at first but it really comes of with a strong sense purpose and matches the other aesthetic/directorical choices present. It's the sort of film critics call a 'haunting triumph' or a 'quiet masterpiece'. Good stuff.