In his latest film, ‘Orphan’, Hungarian director László Nemes presents a visually arresting yet thematically complex narrative set in postwar Europe.
‘Orphan’ Review: A Postwar Drama by László Nemes
Hungarian auteur László Nemes continues his exploration of the Jewish experience in Europe with Orphan, a visually stunning yet intellectually austere film. Following the critically acclaimed Son of Saul, Nemes presents another earnest narrative, though it struggles to match the breathtaking intensity of its predecessor. While Orphan boasts a tantalizing premise hinting at hard geopolitical truths, it ultimately falls short of delivering on that promise.
A Trilogy of Trauma
Some might argue that Nemes’ films form a trilogy, with Son of Saul marking the beginning, followed by Sunset, which explores the eve of World War I, and now Orphan, set in the aftermath of World War II. The film opens four years after Germany’s surrender, introducing us to Andor Hirsch, a young boy released from a Hungarian orphanage into the care of Klára (Andrea Waskovics), a mother he has never known. The film captures their initial bond and Andor’s fascination with his late father, a ticket salesman and observant Jew.
Life in Postwar Hungary
The film is bathed in a heightened sepia glow, maintaining this aesthetic as it shifts to 1957, shortly after a brutal Soviet crackdown on a student-led uprising. Now a teenager (portrayed by Bojtorján Barabás), Andor navigates the bombed-out landscapes of Budapest with his friend Sári (Elíz Szabó), evoking memories of Roberto Rossellini’s Germany Year Zero. Amidst the ruins, Andor discovers a gun, a moment that foreshadows deeper themes of violence and identity.
Conflict and Identity
The narrative introduces Berend Mihály (Grégory Gadebois), a butcher whose presence complicates Andor’s life. As Berend becomes more entwined with Andor and Klára, the film subtly shifts from a national identity crisis to a personal one. Gadebois delivers a compelling performance as the well-meaning antagonist, though the film’s emotional core falters. The script, co-written by Nemes and Clara Royer, often feels stagnant, leaving Andor with little room for growth.
See More ...
Conclusion
While Orphan presents a rich tapestry of postwar Hungary, it ultimately lacks the nuance and depth needed to elevate its narrative. The film is a poignant reflection on the imposition of tyranny on youthful dreams, yet it remains a one-note exploration that could benefit from greater complexity.
Title: Orphan
Festival: Venice (Competition)
Director: László Nemes
Screenwriters: László Nemes, Clara Royer
Cast: Bojtorján Barábas, Andrea Waskovics, Grégory Gadebois, Elíz Szabó, Sándor Soma, Marcin Czarnik
Sales agent: Charades
Running time: 2 hrs 12 mins
