Olmo Omerzu’s ‘Ungrateful Beings’ Explores Fractured Family Dynamics and the Challenges of Communication
Czech-Slovenian director Olmo Omerzu’s latest film, Ungrateful Beings, delves into the complexities of a separated family grappling with communication breakdowns, adolescent struggles, and the weight of unspoken emotions. The film, which premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival, is now showing in cinemas and offers a poignant exploration of modern family life.
A Holiday Under a Cloud
The narrative centers on David (Barry Ward), a divorced father who takes his teenage children, seventeen-year-old Klara (Dexter Franc) and thirteen-year-old Teo (Antonin Chmela), on a holiday to Croatia. The trip is intended to strengthen their bond, but is overshadowed by the recent split from their Czech mother, Laura (Barbora Bobuľová), and Klara’s battle with an eating disorder. The family’s history and multilingual background further complicate their attempts to connect.
Themes of Communication and Connection
Omerzu, known for his sensitive portrayals of youth in films like Winter Flies and Family Film, once again focuses on the difficulties of communication between generations. The film highlights the barriers that exist even within families, and the challenges of bridging the gap between the adult world and the perspectives of teenagers. As noted in a feature on Eye For Film, Omerzu probes “fractured attempts to communicate in the modern world.”
A Complex Narrative
The film unfolds with a blend of dramatic and lighter moments, incorporating elements of a crime story and a love story. Klara finds a potential lifeline in a summer romance with Denis (Timon Sturbej), which initially encourages her to eat, but a sudden separation throws the family into further turmoil. This event ironically pushes David and Laura to reconnect as they attempt to reach out to their daughter. The narrative takes a darker turn, evolving into a psychological thriller and ethical drama, particularly in its second half, set in the Czech Republic.
Visual Storytelling and Atmosphere
Ungrateful Beings is praised for its strong visual storytelling. Kryštof Melka’s cinematography captures the psychological states of the characters through evocative imagery, particularly in scenes involving water, which represents both calm and danger. Omerzu also demonstrates a keen eye for location, utilizing both beautiful and desolate settings to reflect the emotional landscape of the story. The film’s atmosphere shifts from idyllic coastal scenes to more unsettling environments, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles.
Omerzu’s Directorial Style
Olmo Omerzu, born in 1984 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, has established himself as a director capable of navigating different genres. His previous work, Everything Will Be, won six Czech Lions, including awards for Best Film and Best Director. He is known for his ability to blend genres and explore complex themes with sensitivity and nuance. Ungrateful Beings is described as a return to form for the director, showcasing his talent for depicting unexpected situations and utilizing visual storytelling.
Ethical Dilemmas and Unresolved Questions
The script, co-written by Omerzu, Nebojša Pop-Tasić, and Kaša Jandáčková, doesn’t offer easy answers. It raises complex ethical questions about the lengths parents will go to protect their children and whether there are situations where deception is justified. The film avoids judgment, presenting a nuanced portrayal of all characters and acknowledging that clear resolutions are not always possible.
Cast and Crew
Cast: Barry Ward, Dexter Franc, Barbora Bobuľová, Timon Šturbej, Antonín Chmela
Director: Olmo Omerzu
Genre: Drama
Country: Czech Republic / Slovenia
Year: 2025
Runtime: 110 minutes