Back Home

Back Home from 2015 is an emotive Romanian drama film that articulates a compelling portrayal of love, familial responsibilities, and the intricate emotional balance between past and present. Directed by Andrei Cohn, the film stars Alexandru Papadopol, Andi Vasluianu, and Ioana Flora, renowned actors in the Romanian cinema.

The main protagonist of the film, Robert (played with graceful intensity by Alexandru Papadopol), lives in Bucharest, miles away from his native town on the Black Sea coast. He has a flourishing career as a project manager and a beautiful young girlfriend, Paula (played by Ioana Flora). His life follows a steady, predictable trajectory until he's drawn back to his childhood home on an unexpected errand.

When his 45 years old father suffers from a heart attack and falls into a coma, fate brings Robert back home, taking him on a journey back to his past, back to his small hometown, Vaslui. Here, he's compelled to confront past memories, unresolved family conflicts, and the haunting specter of his ill and unconscious father lying in a hospital bed.

Alongside Alexandru Papadopol, Andi Vasluianu lends his talents to the role of Petrica, Robert's childhood friend. A dynamic and fascinating character, Petrica maintained his residence in their shared hometown, and his life now serves as a stark contrast to Robert's urban existence. Portrayed with vivid realism by Vasluianu, Petrica is a salt of the earth character who is deeply rooted in the traditions and rhythms of their small coastal town. His interactions with Robert form one of the principal sources of tension and emotional depth in the film.

As the narrative unfolds, Robert finds himself entangled in a web of past memories and present emotional tensions, treading the intricate line between his urban self and his roots back home. The interpersonal dynamics take on a heightened intensity in the closed space of his old town, with memories and characters from the past.

Moreover, the movie beautifully illustrates how, sometimes, the past must be revisited to fully grasp the present and navigate the future. Through Robert's journey, the audience gets pulled into a heartfelt exploration of the role that home and family play in shaping personal identity. It's a universal exploration that resonates on a deeply human level, making the movie a compelling watch.

The performances are powerful, and each actor brings an intense rawness that maintains the viewers' engagement throughout. The commendable writing deepens the impact of their performances, as the dialogue ranges from evolving dry humor to deeply poignant meditations, all authentically emulating real life conversations.

The cinematography in Back Home deserves a special mention. Director Andrei Cohn, along with Director of Photography Tudor Mircea, capture the essence of Vaslui's coastal small town with all its rustic and natural beauty. The coastal landscape, the narrow streets, the hospital—every location adds to the subtlety and intricacy of the film.

The pacing of the movie is deliberate, aligning with the overall narrative. It allows the audience to truly get to know the characters, understand their motivations and emotional journeys. The film's soundtrack is also skillfully used, making each moment feel more profound.

In the end, Back Home proves to be a fascinating exploration of familial ties, personal transformations, societal pressures, and the overpowering pull of home. It boldly tackles the concept of homecoming and what it means to face your past to move forward.

Back Home offers an intimate portrayal of universal human experiences and emotions that is both touching and real. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate emotionally complex and layered storytelling. One can say for sure; the film leaves a lasting impact, making you introspect about your relationship with your past, home, and identity.