Direction: Bogdan George Apetri
Country: Romania
This revenge cop drama film written and directed by Bogdan George Apetri (Outbound, 2010; Unidentified, 2020) consists of two different parts which, in spots, are well capable of surprising you. The story, unfolds gradually and intriguingly, as an afflicted 19-year-old novice, Cristina Tofan (Ioana Bugarin), asks a special permission to leave the monastery in secrecy.
A known local taxi driver, Albu (Valeriu Andriuta), takes her to the hospital because of frequent headaches, but we get to know the truth when she enters the obstetrics ward. Sadly, Cristina never returns to the monastery again, and the second part of the film renders an unorthodox police investigation led by a bad-tempered inspector, Marius Preda (Emanuel Parvu), whose unusual commitment to solving the case keeps us wondering. Notoriously brutal, the first part is as realistic as the unflinching idea of revenge that follows it.
In the middle of so much sadness and misfortune, Apetri finds a way through funny dialogues and itchy frictions. He doesn’t shy away from exposing the problems of Romanian society whenever he has a chance. The representation of the police is caricatural, and you won’t get bored with the tension surrounding each scene.
The script is strong and its only sin is the unnecessary tail, which should have been cut out in order to let the retaliation speak louder. Miracle is an uncompromising howl of righteous fury anchored by stark performances and a competent direction.
