Absence
Absence

Movie spotlight

Absence

2013
Movie
81 min
English

Doctors are baffled when an expectant mother wakes to find her nearly-to-term pregnancy apparently disappear overnight. Police investigate the situation as a missing child, and only her husband and brother trust her version of events.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users75%
Director: Cristian MungiuGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows the story of Alina, a young Romanian woman living in Italy, who is deeply involved with her boyfriend, Dragos. Their relationship takes a turn when Alina faces a difficult situation that requires her to return to Romania. Upon her return, she must confront her family and the choices she has made, leading to a complex emotional and personal journey.

Critical Reception

Absence received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its powerful performances, intimate storytelling, and exploration of complex emotional themes. Some found the pacing deliberate, but most agreed it was a compelling and thought-provoking drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong emotional core and realistic portrayal of relationships.

  • Noted for its nuanced performances, particularly from the lead actress.

  • Some found the narrative slow but ultimately rewarding.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's emotional depth and authentic depiction of difficult relationships and personal struggles. The powerful acting was frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Awards & Accolades

Selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Although the film is set in Italy and Romania, it was primarily filmed in Romania due to budget constraints and the director's desire for a specific atmosphere.

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