Miracle

From its opening, there’s a distinct sense of unease shrouded over Miracle.

“Miracle” is busy on the eye. As in a documentary, we follow the characters around from one task, whether grim or menial, to the next. Stand back, however, and Apetri’s careful patterning can be discerned.

The narrative does not entirely pull itself into a satisfying arc, but the film nevertheless unfolds with dexterity and suspense.

"Miracle" is staged with an inexorable skill that tugs you along like a Patricia Highsmith novel. It's a tale of mystery, of scalded innocence, and of the staggering evil that ordinary men can do.

As in all Romanian cinema, it is underlined by a permanent evaluation of the country's contradictions, its sense of failure and guilt, and the attempts to find that miracle beating there, among the most mundane. [Full review in Spanish]

Milagro paves its way towards a mysterious outcome, with a strong mystical imprint, again with water as an aggrandizing and deforming element, although open-ended enough not to impose its dogmas. [Full review in Spanish]

A subtly directed thriller that examines a post-communist Romania devastated by corruption and bureaucracy... [Full review in Spanish]

A powerful and painful drama that’s expertly executed in every possible way.

Nothing about Miracle is clear-cut or easy to comprehend, but it is compelling.

Devastatingly brilliant. It's incredibly hard to watch.