Movie spotlight
Odessa
Odessa, August 1970. A heat wave. The city is full of tourists. Boris, a journalist and foreign affairs specialist, and his eight-year-old son Valeri arrive from Moscow to visit Boris’ in-laws, Grigori Iosifovich and Raisa Irovna Davidov. But on the day of their arrival, Odessa declares a quarantine due to a cholera outbreak, and the city is closed off. Having come for a few days, the son-in-law is plunged into a world changed by serious danger. Family secrets will be disclosed, improbable events happen, and a great forbidden love starts.
Insights
Plot Summary
A Polish theater director, Artur, travels to Odessa, Ukraine, to stage a play based on the historical events of the city. As he delves deeper into the production, the lines between his personal life and the unfolding narrative begin to blur, leading him into a dark and complex investigation into his own past and the city's hidden secrets.
Critical Reception
Odessa received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting its ambitious narrative, atmospheric direction, and strong performances, particularly from the lead actors. Some found the plot convoluted, but many appreciated its attempt to blend personal drama with historical mystery.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its atmospheric and visually striking direction.
Noted for its complex, layered narrative that explores themes of identity and history.
Some critics found the plot's intricate nature to be occasionally overwhelming.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Odessa (2019) is not widely available through Google user reviews, making it difficult to summarize specific likes or dislikes.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Marcin Wrona, tragically passed away shortly before the film's release, adding a poignant layer to its premiere.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources