Orsolya (Eszter Tompa) is a bailiff in Cluj, the main city in Transylvania. One day she must evict a homeless man who lives in the basement of a building. An unexpected event creates a moral crisis she tries to solve as best she can.
With Kontinental ’25, Radu Jude once again offers his vision of a society consumed by hypocrisy and corruption, presented with humor full of sarcasm and highlighting the irony surrounding the functioning of his country.
A Society in Poor Health
With this anti-heroine, the philosopher of Romanian cinema continues his relentless X-ray of a society ravaged by hypocrisy and corruption. Orsolya is not only consumed by guilt; she is a powerful image showing that despite certain efforts, Romanian society fails to move forward. Despite the work, the country remains stuck in this dead end, without hope, without a future.
The director also illustrates change by using long, fixed shots of buildings. At times, these are old buildings, while at others they are recent constructions. The contrast is absolutely striking. This is reminiscent of Quebec, where construction happens without much thought given to how these new buildings will blend into the current landscape. Buildings that simply do not belong or do not meet the population’s needs—this is what seems to emerge from this film.
But it is through constant criticism of public institutions that the director—through his main character—attacks the way governments manage Romanian society. The woman constantly speaks out against the institutions, but also against her own job. She knows that what she does contributes to leading people to suicide—just like her government—yet she continues to do it.
Funny for Those Who Understand
This new, radical, and intelligent chapter in the work of a filmmaker who has mastered the art of scrutinizing life and society in his country with black humor and striking sarcasm is once again a great success.
However, it must be said that Radu Jude’s films are not accessible to everyone. The first barrier is the typically Romanian humor the filmmaker employs. While an initiate will chuckle darkly (or laugh nervously/wryly) several times, someone unfamiliar with Romanian culture or politics won’t laugh much. Unlike a film such as Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn where almost everyone can still understand despite the cultural extras, here it is more complicated.
The subtleties are probably what makes this film particularly good, but also more difficult to appreciate. Honestly, do not watch it if you are mentally exhausted, because you risk missing quite a lot. But once again, we must take our hats off to this director who knows how to deal with political or societal issues without making the underlying message too obvious.
A little more…
For those who appreciate dark humor and sarcasm, Kontinental ’25 will be a great adventure. Despite its slowness and repetitions, it remains a captivating and funny film.
That being said, it is not for everyone. But I highly recommend it.
Kontinental ‘25 is screening at the FNC on October 9 and 13, 2025.
