Alice Nellis's small-scale debut tragicomedy spotlights small-town elections. The protagonist, a university student name Jana (Theodora Remundová) who is trying to solve a troubled relationship with a married man, takes her mother's place on the election commission. In the meantime the mother (Iva Janzurová) is going through her own small domestic crisis with her husband (Leos SucharÃpa). Thanks to excellent acting performances and restrained direction, the film convincingly outlines interpersonal relations and their light social overtones.
Acting
Iva Janžurová's comic timing is devastatingly precise.
Direction
Nellis's restraint lets awkwardness breathe without cruelty.
Director
Alice Nellis
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Nellis cast Remundová after seeing her in a student production; this was her breakout role before becoming a respected director herself.
The film satirizes post-communist Czech local politics where everyone knows everyone's vote—democracy as theater of familiarity.
CZ
