Krivina

Krivina is a Serbian-Canadian drama film that was released in 2012, directed by Igor Drljaca, and stars Jasmin Geljo in the lead role, alongside a stellar cast including Minela Jasar and Erica Leung. This evocative and resonant film delves into themes of identity, displacement, and the consequences of war, weaving a narrative that reflects on the human condition and the long-reaching effects of personal and national tragedies.

The movie centers around the protagonist, Miro, portrayed with heartfelt intensity by Jasmin Geljo. Miro is a middle-aged construction worker living in Toronto who emigrated from the former Yugoslavia decades ago, fleeing from the cataclysmic violence that was tearing the country apart. With a longing for a home he no longer has and lost in a world that is both familiar and foreign, Miro’s journey serves as an exploration of immigrant identity as well as a reflection of the psychological effects that war and displacement can have on an individual.

The film was shot in Canada and Bosnia, and it visually explores this thematic contrast between the two different worlds. Drljaca makes use of naturalistic lighting conditions and thoughtful framing to evoke a sense of displacement and melancholia that resonates with Miro’s lived experience. There's a stark difference between the urban landscape of Toronto with its sleek skyscrapers and the rural Bosnian sceneries, providing a stark juxtaposition that encapsulates the protagonist's emotional disorientation.

The inciting incident comes in the form of a mysterious call from his homeland, mentioning about Dado, an old friend who has recently turned up after being reportedly missing for two decades. Miro impulsively decides to make a perilous journey back to Bosnia in search of his missing friend, setting in motion a chain of events that will have profound effects on his life. The journey he embarks upon serves as a way for the narrative to further delve into Miro’s past, while also examining the impact of the Yugoslav War on the country’s present.

Minela Jasar and Erica Leung give commendable performances in their respective roles. Leung, in particular, gives a nuanced performance, adding a further layer of depth to this compelling narrative. The characters they portray are essential in providing contrasting outlooks and reactions to the deeply rooted issues presented in the film, particularly on the concept of war and immigration.

Miro's journey is marked by ambiguity and the subjective nature of memory, placing audiences in a unique position of viewing the key events of the narrative through the protagonist's fractured and unreliable vantage point. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of Miro's trauma and the struggle that many refugees and immigrants face when confronted with their pasts.

Indeed, Krivina acts as a meditation on war and its aftermath, a moody, contemplative piece that reflects on the Yugoslav Wars and its long-lasting effects on the people and the land. Drljaca's intense cinematic vision has created a moving film that delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and the capacity for human resilience in the face of hardship.

Through its stunning cinematography and an evocative soundtrack, the film translates an atmosphere of uncertainty, reflection, and quiet desperation, creating an immersing cinematic experience. While it may be a drama, Drljaca spiral the plot with suspense and mystery keeping viewers in anticipation and intrigued.

Krivina stands as an artistic exploration of war-torn displacement through a deeply personal, hauntingly melancholic narrative. For film enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced, thought-provoking independent cinema, with rich performances and meaningful text, Krivina is a truly compelling viewing. Jasmin Geljo’s heartfelt performance is sure to resound with audiences, and Igor Drljaca’s deft touch and artistic vision give the film its distinctive, resonant appeal. By imbuing a relatable human story with broader socio-political reflections, Krivina delivers a poignant message about displacement, identity and loss.