Radu Jude, a highly prolific Romanian filmmaker, has been on a creative spree recently. In the past year, he directed two fictional features, co-directed a feature-length documentary, and released a one-hour experimental film shot entirely on webcam footage at Andy Warhol’s grave. Unlike his compatriot Cristian Mungiu, known for his intricately crafted dramas released every few years, Jude prefers a quick and raw approach to filmmaking, reflecting the rush of ideas in his mind.
Jude’s latest work, “Kontinental ’25,” continues his trend of thought-provoking and timely storytelling. The film touches on issues like ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and critiques Hungary’s controversial leader, Viktor Orbán. Through lengthy one-take dialogues on guilt, politics, racism, religion, and social justice, Jude presents a narrative that challenges viewers to ponder the moral complexities of contemporary society. While not a traditional edge-of-your-seat thriller, “Kontinental ’25” engages audiences in deep conversations on societal issues.
The plot revolves around a bailiff, Orsolya, played by Eszter Tompa, as she grapples with guilt after a homeless man, Ion (Gabriel Spahiu), commits suicide during an eviction attempt. With minimal plot development, the film focuses on Orsolya’s introspection as she navigates her emotions through conversations with friends and family. Jude’s utilization of long conversations akin to a stage play adds a didactic and Brechtian layer to the film, prompting viewers to reflect on Ion’s death in a society plagued by capitalist, nationalist, and extremist ideologies.
“Kontinental ’25” delves into Orsolya’s personal background, shedding light on her Hungarian heritage in Romania and her encounters with individuals facing societal prejudices. Through encounters with her family, friends, and strangers, Orsolya confronts the harsh realities of discrimination and displacement in a turbulent socio-political landscape. Jude skillfully weaves these contradictions into the film’s fabric, drawing attention to the complexity of human experiences in a world marked by uncertainty and injustice.
While the film’s reliance on lengthy dialogues and fixed camera shots may test some viewers’ patience, Jude’s strategic use of visuals, including topical references and documentary-style sequences, enriches the narrative and situates it in a contemporary context. The juxtaposition of silence and dialogue, along with poignant visual cues, underscores the film’s exploration of individual agency amid systemic challenges.
In its closing moments, “Kontinental ’25” poignantly juxtaposes Ion’s transient existence with the enduring structures of urban development, highlighting the stark disparities in society’s treatment of marginalized individuals. Through Orsolya’s journey, the film invites audiences to contemplate the interconnectedness of personal responsibility and societal inequities, urging reflection on the ethical dilemmas inherent in contemporary life.
In conclusion, Radu Jude’s “Kontinental ’25” stands as a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of moral ambiguity and societal upheaval. By blending intricate dialogues with visual symbolism, Jude crafts a narrative that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the profound impact of individual actions in a rapidly changing world.