Radu Jude, the acclaimed Romanian filmmaker, is back in the limelight after his satirical masterpiece “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn” bagged the Golden Bear four years ago. This time, he is back with his newest venture, “Kontinental ’25,” set to premiere on Feb. 19 in the main competition of the renowned Berlinale film festival.
“Kontinental ’25” follows the story of a bailiff named Orsolya, portrayed by Eszter Tompa. Her life spirals into a moral dilemma when a homeless man she attempts to evict takes his own life. In her quest for solace and redemption, she grapples with guilt while seeking approval and validation from the world.
Navigating through the path of redemption is not as easy as it seems. As a world-renowned provocateur, Jude brings Orsolya’s journey to life, touching upon larger themes such as moral relativism, post-socialist economics, nationalism, and the housing crisis in Romania. The film’s biggest question revolves around the intersection of these issues and Orsolya’s response to them.
Popular on Variety
VIP+
As Jude explains, when introspecting our reactions to tragedies, they often border on absurdity. Consider someone who expresses outrage over the war in Ukraine on social media and then immediately posts a picture of their lunch. This contradiction, as Jude points out, reflects the complexity and absurdity of human reactions, painting a comedic, almost Balzacian ‘human comedy,’ rather than being a mere satire.
While “Kontinental ’25” covers universal themes, it also delves deep into the current state of Romania. Jude brilliantly captures Romania’s journey through years of unpredictable capitalism and the continuing “transition period” of the post-socialist era. These themes were previously explored in his hard-hitting workplace comedy “Do Not Expect too Much From the End of the World,” a 2023 competition entry in Locarno.
Despite recognizing the harsh realities of the Ceaușescu regime, Jude consistently highlights the social chaos that ensued post the strongman’s demise – a period that brought immense suffering for the people largely abandoned by the state.
As the world becomes more chaotic, the challenges faced by Romanians have become more pronounced. This is particularly evident from Romania’s political landscape where a far-right, pro-Russian candidate was elected as president last November, only to have the results annulled due to alleged Kremlin interference. Furthermore, the country’s outgoing president stepped down to avoid impeachment by hard-right parliamentary parties.
The director finds a certain irony in the rightward shift of his country. Drawing parallels with the recent return of Donald Trump to the White House, Jude observes that Romania has always looked up to the USA as an exemplary democracy to be respected and imitated. Today, they are emulating this great democracy that just elected a bunch of fascists to rule the world.
The complexities surrounding Orsolya and the world can be overwhelming. Throughout “Kontinental ’25,” Orsolya finds herself entangled in a web of words, paralyzed by the tragedy she inadvertently contributed to. Jude admits that he, too, is as lost as Orsolya when it comes to these issues. The film attempts to capture this confusion, making it a key theme.
“Kontinental ’25” pays a subtle tribute to Roberto Rossellini’s “Europe ’51,” a post-war drama that similarly followed a guilt-ridden woman’s search for redemption. However, Jude sets his film in the booming Transylvanian town of Cluj, offering a contemporary blend of comedy and drama, a stark contrast to Rossellini’s metaphysical tragedy.
The film also stands as a testament to simplicity, reminiscent of the Italian neorealists. Shot on an iPhone over 10 days without additional lighting or grip equipment, “Kontinental ’25” depends solely on dialogue and natural settings, a process Jude finds liberating.
Jude is currently working on his much-anticipated “Dracula” movie, which he hopes will be a stark contrast to his Golden Bear contender. As he puts it, “If ‘Kontinental ’25’ is my answer to Roberto Rossellini, ‘Dracula’ is my love letter to Ed Wood.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Radu Jude?
Radu Jude is a critically acclaimed Romanian filmmaker known for his satirical masterpieces and provocative storytelling.
What is “Kontinental ’25” about?
“Kontinental ’25” follows the story of a bailiff named Orsolya, who is plunged into a moral crisis after a homeless man she tries to evict commits suicide.
What issues does the film address?
The film navigates larger themes such as moral relativism, post-socialist economics, nationalism, and the housing crisis in Romania.
What is Jude’s upcoming project?
Jude is currently working on his much-anticipated “Dracula” movie, which he hopes will contrast his previous work.
Credit: variety.com
