You Can't Escape Lithuania

You Can't Escape Lithuania is a bold, captivating indie drama from 2016 by Romas Zabarauskas, a groundbreaking Lithuanian film director with an audacious vision. Brimming with audacity, the film offers a keen exploration of the lives of three eccentric characters tied together by their desires, fears, and existential crises, navigating through both internal and external labyrinthine settings.

The protagonist is an openly gay filmmaker named Romas Zabarauskas, portrayed by Denisas Kolomyckis. Despite sharing the name with the feature's real-life director, the character of Romas is not a direct representation of Zabarauskas himself, but rather a fictionalized version. Cast against type, Kolomyckis is not merely playing the character of Romas; he becomes an emblem of artistic liberty and emotionally-provocative storytelling.

The narrative unfolds when Romas finds his life taking an unexpected turn after he decides to provide refuge to his friend Indre (Irina Lavrinovic) who’s on the run. Lavrinovic’s character, Indre, is a successful fashion model and an accused murderer seeking escape with her Mexican boyfriend, Carlos (Adrian Escobar). Despite the allure and the surface glamour of her modeling persona, we see the chinks in her armor as she deals with personal demons and struggles to maintain her impersonal façade. Adrian Escobar excellently portrays Carlos’ endearing naivety and his struggle to adapt to his changing circumstances.

However, the emotional and psychological turmoil forms merely the backdrop against which a road trip unfurls. It's no ordinary road trip, but a possible escape journey from Lithuania to the gay-friendly city of Brussels. Zabarauskas uses this journey as metaphorical narrative which explores the conceptions of freedom, dangers of prejudice, the nature of desire, and the myriad experiences of the LGBTQ+ community in Eastern Europe.

Much of the movie pivots on the complex dynamics between the three leading characters. These interactions are often surprising, layered, and provoke thought about identity, gender, and sexual orientation. The film doesn't flinch from exploring the harsh realities faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Lithuania, it shines a light on the internal and societal struggles that they must deal with on a daily basis. In doing so, Zabarauskas initiates a necessary discussion on homosexuality in Lithuania – a topic often enmeshed in stereotypes and misconceptions.

The narrative style of the films is as intriguing as the plot itself, often breaking the fourth wall and challenging the norms of conventional storytelling. The lines between fact and fiction become blurred, which only adds to the intrigue. The director is unafraid to submerge the viewer into a whirlpool of mystified narratives, connecting us with the characters' unnerving realities while we grapple to distinguish between the cinematic world and real-world.

Dominik Danilovic’s cinematography plays a key role in visually unmasking the film’s intense, complex themes. The mise-en-scene, the orchestration of artistic elements within the frame, and the seamless juxtaposition of contrasting images contribute to the movie's overall cinematic appeal.

You Can't Escape Lithuania has its quirks and idiosyncrasies - it's not a conventional mainstream film – it is in fact a thought-evoking exploration of identity, sexuality, and the inescapable reality of societal prejudices. Viewers should come armed with an open mind and a willingness to engage with complex emotional and intellectual themes.

The film is an important piece of cinema that delves into situations and themes that are often unexplored in Lithuanian cinema. It is a brave, honest, and at times, an unsettling gaze at topics that are often considered taboo or are deliberately shoved under the mat. It manages to create a voice that clamours for artistic and sexual freedom while attempting to unravel the fundamental question of what it means to truly escape.

Overall, You Can't Escape Lithuania is a fine example of Zabarauskas’ abilities as an auteur. His command over the narrative, his unique style of storytelling, and his courage to push boundaries help present a fresh perspective on sensitive issues. It's a cinema experience that keeps you engaged, leaves you pondering, and ultimately underscores the power of independent, thought-provoking filmmaking.