Miracle

Directed by Bogdan George Apetri
Film Movement
2021
118 Minutes
Romania, Czech Republic, Latvia
Romanian
Thriller, Crime
Not Rated

Divided into two chapters, director Bogdan George Apetri's MIRACLE begins with the young, beautiful Cristina Tofan (Ioana Bugarin) sneaking away from an isolated convent. Working in the style of the Romanian New Wave, Apetri withholds key information about her motives as we follow her enigmatic journey, allowing tension to steadily build to a wavering precipice. The film's second part follows Marius Preda (Emanuel Pârvu), a determined inspector retracing Cristina's steps days after her departure. Here, the narrative opens into both gripping police thriller and devastating social commentary, as Marius gradually uncovers clues and revelations leading not only to the unfathomable truth behind Cristina’s mysterious actions, but possibly, to an actual miracle as well.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Bogdan George Apetri
  • Starring: Ioana Bugarin
  • Starring: Emanuel Parvu
  • Starring: Cezar Antal
  • Starring: Ovidiu Crisan
  • Starring: Valeriu Andriuta

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "A crime drama that could rekindle Romanian cinema. Bogdan George Apetri holds the audience and then, in the last scene, melts it with a single audacious teardrop."
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety
  • "Miracle lives up to its name, seamlessly blending narrative, style and technique with devastating results. Simple in scope, yet complex and precise in its execution, the result is a marvel befitting its title."
    Warren Cantrell, The Playlist
  • "Miracle retains its stranglehold for a swift-seeming two hours and ends with images that ensure plenty to chew over afterwards. The director’s approach is devastatingly effective."
    Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
  • "Bogdan George Apetri offers a rare, gripping Romanian thriller that tells an unpredictable, violent story while commenting on Romanian society."
    Ştefan Dobroiu, Cineuropa
  • "There's no point burying the lead — Miracle, the new film from Bogdan George Apetri, is a masterpiece.... "
    Mathew Mahler, Movieweb
  • "[U]nfolds with dexterity and suspense."
    Ben Kenigsberg, The New York Times
  • "From the very outset, this film is fraught with tension. Apetri builds it up slowly, skilfully, never overplaying his hand. It is only in the last few moments that viewers will feel able to breathe freely."
    Jennie Kermode, Eye for Film
  • "The real miracle of this film is in its performances and direction."
    Jason Delgado, Film Threat
  • "Hypnotic and ambiguous, it is a superb exercise in suspense, a stirring moral puzzle that leaves you breathless."
    Roger Costa, Brazilian Press