Synopsis
When Matthias returns to his hometown in Transylvania, he attempts to reconnect with his family and with his former lover Csilla. Csilla helps manage the local commercial bakery, the town’s sole remaining employment hub. When the owners bring in two workers from Sri Lanka to fill staffing gaps, the local residents’ xenophobic beliefs reawaken – leading to a series of violent confrontations.
Master director Cristian Mungiu (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, Beyond the Hills) returns with this intricate, fierce drama. R.M.N. is a somber reflection on contemporary bigotry and an exploration of social dynamics and instability in modern Europe. It’s a compelling character study and low-key thriller, enhanced by extraordinary, dream-like flourishes at key dramatic junctures.
Festival & Awards
Dublin International Film Festival, 2023 – Best Screenplay (Cristian Mungiu)
Cannes Film Festival, 2022
Quotes
“‘R.M.N.’ is a slow-motion snapshot of a deeply riven community flying apart in all directions, as though some bomb, detonated years or perhaps even centuries ago, has never stopped exploding” – Jessica Kiang, Variety
“While ‘R.M.N.’ largely takes place in Romania, as Mungiu makes forcefully clear, this is also a story that transcends borders” – Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
Film Info
127 mins | Romania / France / Belgium / Sweden | 2022 | Cert: 15A
Director:
Cristian Mungiu
Cast:
Marin Grigore, Judith State, Macrina Bârlădeanu