#Selfie

#Selfie is a Romanian drama film directed by Cristina Iacob, released in 2014. The film features Crina Semciuc as Yasmine, Flavia Hojda as Roxi, and Olimpia Melinte as Ana. These three young, talented and dazzling stars embody the spirit of modern-day Bucharest, bringing to life a story that's both compelling and relatable. The movie uniquely embraces a theme hinged on relationships, friendship, love, and the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.

In resonance with its title, #Selfie affixes itself squarely within the technology and social media age in which images, relatability, and personal branding hold prominence. The film scrutinizes the impact of social media on the lives of its protagonists, reflected on multiple levels, including intimate relationships and self-perception.

The plot follows the lives of the three protagonists, Yasmine, Roxi, and Ana, as they navigate the complex realities of love, heartbreak, and life after university. Life after university proves not to be as rosy or straightforward as they had envisioned, leading to a soul-searching journey. That's when they decide to embark on an impromptu trip to the Romanian seaside to forget about their worries and heal from their heartaches. The spontaneous road trip serves as a juxtaposition to their meticulously planned lives and gives them an opportunity to rediscover themselves.

Yasmine, played by Crina Semciuc, is a character with an exclusively curated life, leaving no room for unpredictability. Her meticulousness extends to her relationship, reflecting a facade of perfection on social media. Flavia Hojda gives life to the character Roxi, a witty and fun-loving woman who finds herself at a crossroads due to a recent break-up, leading her to question her identity and purpose in life. Ana, played by Olimpia Melinte, is a mature and stable character. However, her stability is tested when she discovers certain unpleasant facts about her long-term relationship, leading to a subsequent quest for self-discovery.

The film thrives on the authentic and natural performance of its cast, exhibiting an outstanding balance of comic timing and the ability to tackle serious scenes with sensitivity. The trio's chemistry is palpable on the screen; their moments of shared laughter, tears, and the nuanced dialogues based on their shared experiences underline the quintessence of modern youth and their struggles.

The narrative's strength lies in its ability to unpack complex themes of love, friendship, self-realization, and the impact of social media on young adults' intimate relationships and self-perception. As the story unfolds, the characters are seen grapple with their contrasting personalities, culminating in instances of introspection and evolution. In doing so, the film offers more than mere entertainment and evokes poignant moments of reflection for viewers.

Director Cristina Iacob's visual storytelling is commendable. The contrasting physical spaces in the film—from the cluttered apartments of Bucharest to the open skies and sea of the Romanian coast—beautifully capture the characters' emotional journeys. The breezy and vibrant cinematographic choices further enhance the storyline, providing a soothing backdrop to the struggles and chaos experienced by the characters.

The film own-paced narrative creates moments of serenity, tension, emotion, and laughter alike. It does an excellent job of spotlighting each character’s journey towards self-discovery, offering a slice of their life without unnecessary melodrama. As viewers, one gets deeply immersed in their world, rooting for them in their moments of despair, cheering for them in their small victories and laughing with them in their moments of joy.

#Selfie is a coming-of-age film that candidly reflects the trials and tribulations of post-university life. It is an exploration of personal identity, the pursuit of dreams, and the strain and relief brought about by intense friendships. The film delivers subtle insights into the flawed yet charming aspects of its three main characters, inviting viewers to peek into their lives and perhaps identify with their shared experiences and dilemmas.

The film adeptly rides the wave of the digital era, shedding light on the obsessive selfie and sharing culture, and the quest for validation inherent in it. It delves into the lengths to which one can go to portray the ‘perfect life’ on social media, making it an insightful watch in the 21st-century landscape.

In conclusion, #Selfie is more than a film about three young women experiencing their first taste of independence and adulthood. It's a movie that reflects the broader social and cultural context of today's youth, effectively exploring the trials and tribulations that this independence often brings. Laced with humour, drama, and touching moments of camaraderie, #Selfie is a movie that resonates well with the digital generation.