This marks my second Romanian film review in recent weeks through WCA. Both films were selections submitted to the Oscars but didn't advance to the final round. I haven’t seen a large number of Romanian movies yet, but I’m starting to enjoy them and hope to watch many more going forward. This particular movie was something I wasn’t expecting much from; I kept putting it off, but ultimately finished it with great satisfaction. From the director of the Golden Globe-nominated '4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days' comes a story about two young women who experienced abuse while living in an orphanage and formed a close bond before going their separate ways. One returns from working in Germany to try and win back the heart of another, who has now joined a convent. The film explores how things unfold between them, considering their new lives and the lingering attachment that affects not only themselves but also the entire convent. I’m unsure why this movie didn't make it to the Oscars if 'Ida' had. They share similarities; both focus on characters caught between faith and emotion. One character’s dedication to religion is challenged by an unexpected encounter with desire. Is religious belief too naive in today’s world? As human civilization evolves, a 2000-year-old system of beliefs struggles to maintain itself. This film tells a wonderful story within that context. > "Continuity is essential in our spiritual realm. > You can't stop for a break when you feel like it." The narrative clearly portrays the difficulty of choosing between two paths, even knowing the reality, but remaining committed to one. Perhaps, having grown up in an orphanage and understanding life’s hardships, they felt compelled to help society. For those with strong religious convictions, the movie might be somewhat upsetting, though not seriously offensive. It's just a film, and there were moments where I found it darkly humorous, even if unintentionally, and had some good laughs. I am pleased with this movie; I don’t see it as an indictment of religious cruelty. Unlike hospitals that operate legally, a monastery like this raises questions about its practices when actions are performed against someone's will. The story is inspired by real events from 2005 and leans more toward factual representation than fiction. The film takes place in the present day, but most scenes were shot in a convent just outside of a city, creating a feel reminiscent of the 1960s, 70s, or earlier era. Their isolated lifestyle, including their financial struggles, contributes to this atmosphere. It’s an appropriate setting for the story and its title. The film was shot during two different seasons, mirroring shifts in the pace and tone leading up to a heightened conclusion. I appreciated all of the performances. While it's not comparable to 'Spotlight,' you can’t ignore what the movie is pointing out about past mistakes. In my view, it's worth seeing and I recommend it, especially for adults due to its sensitive themes. 8/10

Source on TMDB