Tuesday, After Christmas

Euro angst done right. Nothing too groundbreaking formally or thematically, but sometimes unflinching master shots and marital strife are all you need. I have to say, of the recent wave of Romanian films this is easily my favorite, if for no other reason than being more about a crumbling relationship than a crumbling society.

Initially, I had the impression this is going to be another minor, low-key approach to the oft-told story of infidelity and the dissolution of marriage. Well it is indeed low-key but definitely not minor. We get long continuous shots ripe with tension and perceptive, nonjudgmental observations even amid the most banal of conversations. The revelation scene feels astonishingly real and the ending so achingly human. Highly recommended.

It is faint praise to note that Tuesday, After Christmas is the most approachable of recent Romanian releases. Still, it's neither revealing nor compelling.

Muntean's achingly restrained film illustrates the beauty of marriage by helping the audience to feel real loss when a marriage fails. Using lengthy shots filled with subtext, the film builds tension as the philandering husband nears, and eventually makes, his fateful decision. The key scene is an 11+ minute shot chronicling the aftermath of his choice, along with a wonderfully complex, expertly-acted, and heartbreaking final sequence.

The scene with the Christmas presents quickly being brought into the room (via a partnership of the mother and father despite the two of them in the scene previous discussing their impending divorce and hatred of each other) while the child is distracted really warmed me up to this movie. Reminded me of being a child and my parents coming together once or twice a year and pretending not to despise each other.

Star Rating: ★★1/2

the film succeeds in capturing a key moment in a married man's life. sentimental without being melodramatic

Excelent, filmul care mi-a deschis Noul Val.

"Muntean's obsessive gaze might border on the emotionally exploitative were it not accompanied by deep empathy for the plights of all involved." - Nick Schager

You wouldn't expect a movie revolving around one guy's marital infidelity - with no real twists - to be anything special. But Muntean's is just so real and truthful, it is worth a hundred French love triangle movies. It really puts you inside of the lives that it portrays.

Beyond the narrative of infidelity, it is a troubled look at where humans may explore in terms of love. An existential snapshot of raw emotions and our standards, however we may interpret the scenario. Also just damn right human at it’s finale.

impressive and realist.