Jolana (18) is an object of her step-father's desire. She is unable to cope, especially when her own mother turns a blind eye. Those events are heavily paid for when she finds herself working in a brothel. Her inability to cope raise a question: What is it she actually wants? Are her dreams of escaping really better than the reality she finds herself in?
Acting
Tereza Vítů's hollow-eyed stillness says everything words can't.
Direction
Chlupáček frames Jolana like furniture—objects don't get close-ups.
Director
Matěj Chlupáček
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of a wave of post-2008 Czech cinema examining systemic exploitation of women, often by men who claim to protect them.
Chlupáček was 24 when he directed this—barely older than his protagonist. Kryštof Hádek (Richard) is a major Czech star who took the small role specifically to support the film.
CZ
