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Graduation (2016)

2016 • 2h 8m • Drama • R
On September 22, 2026
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CinemaSerf on Graduation

7/10 · Jan 25, 2025

Following an incident where their daughter "Eliza" (Maria Dragus) is involved in a physical confrontation at school, Romeo (Adrian Titieni), a doctor, and Magda (Lia Bugnar), a librarian, find themselves navigating some challenging aspects of parenthood. They frequently clash with each other, and Eliza is reassessing her priorities, which also prompts the couple to examine their own marriage. "Eliza" is nearing crucial exams that could secure her place studying psychology at Cambridge, and her parents are eager for her to leave their Transylvanian home and experience what they consider a more refined environment. The trauma stemming from an attempted assault is hindering her focus, and as her father persistently encourages this path, she starts to question it just as he remains steadfast in his belief. Meanwhile, her mother is coping by smoking heavily and coming to some realizations of her own. Things escalate when a disturbing truth about "Romeo" emerges, throwing everything into disarray. Fundamentally, the film presents a familiar family story that has been told before. What distinguishes it somewhat, I thought, is the quality of the script. The actors are deeply invested in their portrayals and deliver powerful performances as their circumstances intensify, threatening to permanently alter their lives – all while the father becomes increasingly exasperated. This character’s journey feels particularly impactful. He's a man who has struggled with maturity under Romanian communism and is determined to ensure his daughter receives every opportunity that wealth can provide—regardless of her wishes. Several storylines unfold concurrently, serving as a reminder that despite increased freedoms compared to thirty years prior, there remains a level of government oversight in the lives of citizens. The film feels somewhat lengthy, and certain scenes are repeated, which detracts from the momentum; however, the performances are strong and memorable, and it’s likely to connect with viewers who have children facing significant choices.

Source on TMDB