Collective
Collective

Movie spotlight

Collective

2019
Movie
109 min
Romanian

In the aftermath of a tragic fire in a Romanian club, burn victims begin dying in hospitals from wounds that were not life threatening. A team of investigative journalists move into action uncovering the mass corruption of the health system and of the state institutions. Collective follows journalists, whistle blowers, and authorities alike. An immersive and uncompromising look into a dysfunctional system, exposing corruption, propaganda, and manipulation that nowadays affect not only Romania, but societies around the world.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users95%
Director: Alexander NanauGenres: Documentary, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

In the wake of a tragic nightclub fire, a team of investigative journalists at the Romanian newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor digs into the corruption and negligence that led to the deaths of 27 young people. Their work uncovers a much larger scandal involving fraudulent health reforms and misappropriated funds meant for drug treatment, ultimately leading to the resignation of a government minister. The film follows the journalists, whistleblowers, and activists as they fight for transparency and accountability in a system rife with deceit.

Critical Reception

Collective received widespread critical acclaim for its gripping investigative narrative, its unflinching portrayal of institutional corruption, and its urgent call for systemic change. Critics lauded its meticulous filmmaking, its ability to transform complex investigative work into a compelling cinematic experience, and its profound impact on Romanian society, sparking significant political and social reform.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in investigative journalism cinema.

  • Urgent, infuriating, and deeply human.

  • Highlights the power of a free press in uncovering systemic corruption.

Google audience: Viewers praised the film's powerful exposé of corruption and its depiction of dedicated journalists fighting for truth. Many were moved by the bravery of the individuals involved and found the documentary to be a crucial and eye-opening look at the realities of institutional failure.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Won numerous awards including the European Parliament's Lux Audience Award and awards at film festivals worldwide.

Fun Fact

The film's release in Romania led to significant public outcry and contributed to the resignation of the country's health minister and the government's subsequent focus on healthcare reform.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

As we witness the chronological outcome of events, we reach a bleak and sudden ending that leaves us to ask the question - what now? That's precisely what many Romanians would also be asking of their government: should things slowly but sur...