Directed by
Nimród Antal
Made by
THINKFilm
The film begins with a statement from a real-life manager of the Budapest metro, emphasizing that the story presented is entirely fictional and does not reflect the actual behavior or practices of the Kontrollers within the system.
In this narrative, we follow Bulcsú (Sándor Csányi), a diligent ticket inspector who calls the Hungarian Metro his home, as he spends his nights either patrolling the train platforms or resting amidst the hustle and bustle of the underground. Joined by his eclectic team of inspectors, which includes the seasoned yet eccentric Professor (Zoltán Mucsi), the scruffy Lecsó (Sándor Badár), the unpredictable and narcoleptic Muki (Csaba Pindroch), and the naive newcomer Tibi (Zsolt Nagy), Bulcsú faces relentless disrespect and physical confrontation from the commuters. These individuals continuously seek to evade fines through an array of creative and audacious methods.
Amidst the chaos, Bulcsú is unwittingly drawn into a rivalry with the model employee Gonzó (Balázs Mihályfi), who challenges him to a precarious “rail run” contest. This dangerous competition takes place on the tracks after the final metro of the night has left, with both competitors racing to reach the next station before being overtaken by a midnight maintenance vehicle. Bulcsú narrowly secures victory, managing to save Gonzó in the nick of time.
One day, during a typical inspection, Bulcsú’s attention is captured by a mysterious girl in a bear suit named Zsófi (Eszter Balla), who is the daughter of a veteran metro driver, Béla (Lajos Kovács). Their connection grows, against the backdrop of Bulcsú’s increasingly chaotic work life. Tensions escalate further when his colleague Laci (László Nádasi), driven to the brink, finds himself in a violent confrontation with a passenger, ultimately leading to a tragic and deadly outcome.
In a series of eerie events, Bulcsú encounters a prankster known as Bootsie (Bence Mátyássy), only to witness him being shoved onto the tracks by a shadowy figure clad in similar attire as his own. This unnerving incident – mistaken for yet another suicide – deeply disturbs Bulcsú, spurring nightmares about the cloaked individual that plague his thoughts and distract him from his duties. When questioned about the incident, he opts not to provide details to the firm’s executive, György Cserhalmi, leading to his resignation under pressure and insinuations from Muki that he may be connected to the death.
Things come to a head during an underground costume party where Bulcsú finally confronts the hooded figure, resulting in yet another race on the tracks similar to his previous contest with Gonzó. Once again, Bulcsú emerges victorious, but the identity of the hooded figure remains a mystery as they disappear back into the shadows. In a moment of solace, Bulcsú reunites with Zsófi, who has transformed into a butterfly costume, together stepping into the light above, away from the dark depths of the metro.
Opening Statement
The film opens with a disclaimer from the real-life manager of the Budapest metro, stating that the following story is entirely fictional. This sets the tone for the events that unfold, emphasizing that they do not reflect the actual workings of the metro system.
Introduction to Bulcsú
We meet Bulcsú, a dedicated ticket inspector, as he patrols the bustling platforms of the Budapest metro. This environment has become his home, where he navigates the challenges of ensuring passengers adhere to the rules.
The Team of Inspectors
Bulcsú is joined by a unique team of ticket inspectors, each with distinct personalities. His colleagues include the eccentric Professor, the scruffy Lecsó, the unpredictable Muki, and the naive newcomer Tibi, all contributing to the chaotic atmosphere.
Encounter with Commuters
Bulcsú and his team consistently face disrespect and confrontation from commuters attempting to evade fines. These encounters highlight the challenges and dangers of their night shifts in the underground.
Rivalry with Gonzó
Bulcsú's work life intensifies as he enters a rivalry with Gonzó, a model employee. This tension leads to a risky 'rail run' contest, challenging both of them to race through the tracks after hours, further increasing the stakes.
Victory and Rescue
In a nail-biting moment, Bulcsú manages to win the contest against Gonzó. He narrowly saves his rival from danger, showcasing his quick thinking and bravery as they race against the midnight maintenance vehicle.
Meeting Zsófi
Bulcsú's life takes an unexpected turn when he notices a girl in a bear suit named Zsófi during one of his inspections. Their connection blossoms slowly, revealing a softer, more personal side to Bulcsú amidst his chaotic work.
Laci's Violent Confrontation
Tensions rise within the team as Laci faces a violent confrontation with an unruly passenger. This altercation has tragic consequences, marking a dark turn in Bulcsú's already troubled environment.
Encounter with Bootsie
Bulcsú has a disturbing run-in with a prankster known as Bootsie. He witnesses Bootsie being pushed onto the tracks, leading Bulcsú to question the reality of his surroundings and prompting a sense of unease that lingers.
Nightmares and Resignation
The incident with Bootsie haunts Bulcsú, leading to sleepless nights filled with nightmares about a shadowy figure. This turmoil culminates in his resignation under pressure, fueled by insinuations surrounding the incident.
Costume Party Confrontation
During an underground costume party, Bulcsú confronts the elusive hooded figure, reminiscent of his previous contest with Gonzó. This moment reignites his determination as they race once more through the metro tracks.
Another Race on the Tracks
In a thrilling repeat of the earlier contest, Bulcsú succeeds in outpacing the hooded figure. However, the mysterious identity of this figure remains unsolved, leaving an air of intrigue around their intentions.
Bulcsú and Zsófi Reunite
After the intense race, Bulcsú finds a moment of peace as he reunites with Zsófi, who has changed into a butterfly costume. This symbolizes a new chapter for Bulcsú as they step into the light, moving away from the dark chaos of the metro.
Stepping into the Light
In a hopeful conclusion, Bulcsú and Zsófi emerge from the underground, leaving behind the troubles of the metro system. This moment signifies Bulcsú's personal growth and the possibility of a brighter future.
Bulcsú
Bulcsú is a dedicated ticket inspector with a strong sense of responsibility, finding solace in his nighttime routine at the Budapest Metro. He embodies resilience, navigating the chaos of his job while grappling with personal fears and the impact of loss within his work environment. His character evolves as he confronts challenges, revealing layers of vulnerability and determination.
Zsófi
Zsófi is a whimsical character who brings light and curiosity into Bulcsú's life, symbolizing innocence and a sense of wonder amidst darkness. Her unique appearance in a bear suit represents the blend of fantasy and reality within the narrative. As the daughter of a veteran metro driver, her connection to the metro plays a crucial role in her interactions with Bulcsú.
Time period
The movie takes place in contemporary times, addressing modern social issues through the lens of public transportation and the daily experiences of its workers. This setting reflects current attitudes and behaviors in urban environments, making the narrative relatable to a modern audience.
Location
Budapest Metro
The Budapest Metro is an essential part of the city’s public transportation system, providing an underground escape from the bustling urban life above. Known for its historic line and unique architecture, it serves as both a means of travel and a hub of activity. The metro's platforms and tunnels are home to vibrant characters and daily drama, contributing to the narrative tension of many stories set against its backdrop.
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Rivalry
The theme of rivalry drives much of the film's tension, particularly through Bulcsú's competition with Gonzó. Their contest symbolizes a struggle for respect and recognition within a challenging work environment. Rivalry is not just about competition; it also highlights personal growth and the capacity for collaboration, even among adversaries.
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Loss
Loss is a poignant theme in the film, exemplified by the tragic confrontation involving Bulcsú's colleague. The impact of this loss reverberates throughout the team, influencing their dynamics and individual decisions. Bulcsú's personal journey also underscores the emotional toll of facing loss amidst daily struggles.
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Mystery
The mysterious figure that Bulcsú encounters adds an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. This theme explores the unknown in everyday life and how it can profoundly affect our perceptions and actions. The eerie atmosphere and unresolved identity of the figure create a chilling undercurrent that challenges Bulcsú’s sanity and focus.
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