A surgeon's ego becomes a weapon of destruction. Justice? Optional.
The plot confronts an influential surgeon and a carpenter accused to have stolen the doctor's personal belongings from the beach. The neurotic doctor involves himself in the inquiry, ultimately directing the interrogation. The burglary victim, Theodor Hristea, a surgeon at the peak of his career and social life, self-confident and well connected, his girlfriend, Cristina and their common friend, Stefan - find themselves on holiday near the summer resort of Mamaia. The doctor has a detective passion and accuses – just on account of a physical resemblance with the real thief - a young carpenter who happens to come at the same beach the day following the burglary. The police is summoned and The Kid is sent to trial. The doctor plays an active part in the investigation. Although the doctor's girlfriend and his friend doubt the identity of the accused, the surgeon insists in being right and succeeds in sending the innocent young man to prison.
Acting
Rebengiuc's surgical precision in playing a monster you almost understand.
Direction
Pița weaponizes the holiday atmosphere — leisure as interrogation room.
Director
Dan Pița
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during late Communist Romania, the film's bureaucratic nightmare and class critique slid past censors by wearing the mask of a psychological thriller.
Rebengiuc reportedly improvised Theodor's physical tics — the way he handles objects like surgical instruments, even cigarettes.
RO
