Murina 2022
Directed by
Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
Made by
Kino Lorber
Plot Summary
Julija, portrayed by Gracija Filipović, lives with her parents, Ante and Nela, on a secluded island along Croatia’s picturesque Adriatic coast. The film unfolds over a weekend as Ante surprises the family by inviting his long-time friend, Javier, with a proposition to buy their land and transform it into an upscale resort. However, what starts as a friendly visit soon spirals into chaos as buried grudges and family conflicts surface.
As a quiet yet strong-willed teenager, Julija observes her parents’ preparations for Javier’s arrival with a casual disinterest, only joining in when specifically prompted. Julija, an enthusiastic swimmer and skilled spearfisher — often seen in her one-piece swimsuit — frequently escapes to the ocean throughout the weekend, seeking solace in the water.
Her world shifts when she witnesses a flirtation between Javier and Nela during a seaside outing. In a shocking revelation, she discovers that her mother and Javier once shared a romantic past, with Javier even considering marriage to Nela. In a desperate attempt to liberate their family from Ante’s overbearing influence, Julija encourages Nela to rekindle her relationship with Javier. However, Nela dismisses the idea, declaring that “as soon as he boards the plane,” Javier will forget about them.
The family dynamics reach a climax during a celebration held for Javier on the eve of his departure. Ante forbids Julija from attending and confines her to a locked area in their home. Yet, determined to confront the unfolding events, she ingeniously escapes through a floor hatch and dives into the depths of the ocean, making her way to the vibrant party. A confrontation ensues between Julija and Ante, highlighting the mounting tensions.
As the sun rises the next day, Javier departs the island without finalizing the promised real estate deal. In the aftermath, Ante and Julija decide to go spearfishing—an activity they once shared fondly, now tinged with unresolved tension. Swimming closely behind her father, Julija takes aim with the speargun but deliberately chooses to miss. The two resurface, locking eyes as a wordless understanding passes between them, and Julija ultimately swims away into the vastness of the sea, her thoughts lingering in the turmoil of the weekend.
Timeline
Family Life on the Island
Julija lives on a secluded island in Croatia with her parents, Ante and Nela. Their life is peaceful yet isolated, with the stunning Adriatic coast forming their backdrop.
Ante's Surprise Invitation
Ante surprises his family by inviting his long-time friend, Javier, to visit them for the weekend. This visit sets in motion a series of events that unravel hidden tensions within the family.
The Proposition
During Javier’s visit, Ante discusses an offer to buy their land and transform it into an upscale resort. This proposition raises questions about family loyalty and the future of their home.
Julija's Indifferent Observations
Julija, a strong-willed teenager, observes her parents’ preparations for Javier's arrival with casual disinterest. She often escapes to the ocean, seeking solace and distraction from the family dynamics.
A Flirtation Revealed
While on a seaside outing, Julija witnesses flirtation between her mother, Nela, and Javier. This shocking moment reveals to her a complex romantic history that alters her perception of their relationships.
The Past Uncovered
Julija discovers that Javier and Nela once had a romantic relationship, and Javier even contemplated marrying her mother. This revelation fuels Julija's desire to encourage a rekindling of their past.
Julija's Desperate Plea
In a bid to free their family from Ante's domineering influence, Julija encourages Nela to revive her relationship with Javier. However, Nela resolutely dismisses Julija's ideas, citing Javier's lack of permanence.
The Celebration Gone Awry
On the eve of Javier's departure, a celebration is held in his honor. Tensions escalate as Ante confines Julija, forbidding her to attend, revealing cracks in their familial bonds.
Julija's Brave Escape
Determined to confront the unfolding chaos, Julija ingeniously escapes her confines through a floor hatch. She dives into the ocean and swims towards the vibrant party, symbolizing her quest for freedom.
Confrontation with Ante
At the party, Julija confronts Ante, leading to a climactic and emotional showdown. This confrontation lays bare the underlying tensions and unresolved issues within their family.
Javier's Departure
As dawn breaks, Javier leaves the island without finalizing the proposed real estate deal. His departure signifies the fragile state of family ties amidst unresolved grievances.
A Distant Spearfishing Trip
In the aftermath of Javier's exit, Julija and Ante go spearfishing together, an activity laden with nostalgia and unresolved tension. Their bond is tested as they struggle to communicate amid their silent discontent.
Julija's Symbolic Decision
While spearfishing, Julija deliberately chooses to miss her shot at a fish, symbolizing her internal conflicts and her desire to break free from family expectations. This moment encapsulates her struggle for independence.
Wordless Understanding
As they resurface from the water, Julija and Ante share a moment of wordless understanding. This silent connection hints at the complexities of their relationship and the unspoken emotions that linger.
Julija's Final Escape
Finally, Julija swims away into the vastness of the sea, leaving behind the chaos of the weekend. This act represents her quest for autonomy and signifies her emotional journey throughout the ordeal.
Characters
Julija (Gracija Filipović)
Julija is a quiet yet strong-willed teenager whose observations of family tensions reveal her depth and resilience. Her passion for swimming and spearfishing showcases her adventurous spirit. Throughout the weekend, she grapples with the unfolding drama between her parents and Javier, vying for her mother's attention and their family's cohesion.
Ante (Leon Lucev)
Ante is Julija's overbearing father, whose authority and past decisions create conflict within the family. His authority challenges Julija's desire for independence, leading to confrontations that illuminate the film's emotional core. Ante's struggle to maintain control over his family reflects broader themes of paternal influence.
Nela (Danica Curcic)
Nela, Julija's mother, is caught between her past with Javier and her current life with Ante. Her complex feelings about love and loyalty create tension, ultimately impacting her relationship with Julija. Nela’s character embodies the struggle of a woman trying to reconcile her past choices with her present responsibilities.
Javier (Cliff Curtis)
Javier is Ante's long-time friend whose arrival stirs up hidden emotions and unresolved issues. His past romance with Nela adds layers to his character and creates tension within the family. Javier's presence highlights themes of nostalgia and the impact of unresolved relationships on current dynamics.
Setting
Time period
The events of the movie unfold over a single weekend, capturing a moment in time that reflects the complexities of family relationships and nostalgic reminiscences. The tense interactions are emblematic of the timeless struggles between generations and their conflicting desires.
Location
Croatia's Adriatic coast
The movie takes place on a secluded island along Croatia's picturesque Adriatic coast, known for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters. This serene setting contrasts sharply with the emotional turmoil unfolding among the characters. The island's atmosphere serves as both a refuge and a battleground for family dynamics.
Themes
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Family Conflict
The film explores the theme of family conflict, particularly through Julija's relationship with her parents. Long-buried grievances come to the surface as Javier's arrival exacerbates existing tensions. This conflict serves as a catalyst for Julija's journey toward understanding and asserting her independence.
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Romantic Past
Julija's discovery of her mother Nela's past relationship with Javier introduces the theme of romantic connections that linger over time. This history complicates current dynamics and represents the choices that shape familial relationships. The interplay of past and present love is vital to the unfolding drama.
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Escape and Freedom
The motif of the ocean symbolizes escape and freedom for Julija, contrasting her confinement at home. Her skilled swimming and spearfishing serve as metaphors for her desire to break away from parental control and seek her own identity. The sea becomes a space of liberation for her amidst the chaos.
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