In a prestigious but secluded university, a brilliant but enigmatic student named Alex begins to exhibit increasingly bizarre behavior, seemingly reliving past events and interacting with figures from his memories. As his actions escalate, drawing the attention of the skeptical Dean, a pattern of cryptic clues and unsettling coincidences emerges, suggesting a deeper, more sinister mystery at play. Alex's fragmented reality blurs the lines between past and present, leading those around him to question his sanity and the true nature of his 'repeating' existence.

The Repeating Student Winked at Dean was a critical darling upon its release, praised for its innovative narrative structure and unsettling atmosphere. Critics lauded its psychological depth and the haunting performances of its lead actors, particularly Ioana Dinu. While its ambiguous ending polarized some audiences, it is widely regarded as a landmark of Romanian cinema for its daring exploration of memory and perception.

• A masterfully crafted psychological thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.
• Ioana Dinu delivers a career-defining performance, embodying a character whose descent is both tragic and compelling.
• The film's unconventional storytelling and ambiguous themes challenge viewers, inviting multiple interpretations.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's thought-provoking nature and its ability to create a deeply immersive and suspenseful experience. Many viewers appreciated the complex narrative and the powerful emotional impact of the performances, although some found the ending to be too open-ended.

Awarded Best Film at the Transilvania International Film Festival (1981), Nominated for Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival (1980), Won Best Actress for Ioana Dinu at the Romanian Film Awards (1981).

Director Irina Popescu reportedly worked with a psychotherapist during the writing process to ensure the film's portrayal of fractured memory and psychological distress was authentic and respectful.