The Secret of Pin-Up Island

I didn't know what to expect when I walked into The Secret of Pin-Up Island, but I left utterly mesmerized. The film dances between surrealism and reality, reminding me of the quirky absurdity of Jeunet's Delicatessen or the rich, allegorical storytelling of Emir Kusturica's Underground. The way the characters interact with each other, with exaggerated gestures and absurd moments, creates a unique atmosphere that is both unsettling and deeply emotional.

Rina Gri's performance as Alesia was unforgettable. There's something about her that evokes a sense of innocence, much like Giulietta Masina's characters, but there's also this deep, almost clown-like sadness that she carries with her. The ensemble cast is equally strong, each character contributing to the strange yet compelling world that Alecs Nastoiu has built. The film doesn't shy away from its experimental approach, and I respect that. It may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate bold, imaginative filmmaking, this is a must-see.

The final twist hit me hard, and I can't stop thinking about it. The film left me wanting to see it again, just to unravel all the layers of meaning. Hats off to Alecs Nastoiu for taking such creative risks and pulling it off with grace.

Loved, loved that movie! I watched it during the Boston Sci-Film Festival and was pleasantly surprised by this creation of Romanian cinematography. It is very unusual but at the same time comforting and heartwarming story. In how it was made, it really reminded me of computer games that I played when I was a kid. While watching this movie you want to join the main character, Alesia, on her adventure. It was so exciting to explore all the rooms and to meet all the unique characters with her.

Closer to the halfway point of the movie, the viewer understands that the idea is much deeper than it appeared in the beginning. Through Alesia's journey it will make you think about your own feelings, your own life, your own past, and may even help you to resolve some of your own issues by the end of the film.

In addition, as a woman, I loved that almost all the characters are female. Their costumes and hair are so stylish as well! I could see a lot from 60s fashion, but with futuristic notes. The contrast between the bright yellow outfits and the grey interiors of the factory building was amazing! You can tell this was created by real artists.

A beautiful warm feeling filled my heart when I finished watching. It is an interesting sweet fairytale filled with mystery.

Give this movie one of your evenings. You will enjoy every moment of it!

Great story with a script written ahead times and a very talented actress in the leading role that guides you through the epic line in such a way that you won't be realising when time goes by.

You'll be surprised to discover characters that might exist in your real life too. And that's the magic of a travel that although filmed in Romania, its worldwide available.

Does time stops when we close the doors of our past? Or it constantly reminds us of every piece of our life's puzzle?

Take your time and enjoy a psihological fairytale that will wake up all your emotions.

Congratulations to all the cast and crew!

📹👏🏻✨

As someone who has seen countless Romanian films in the past decade, I was pleasantly surprised by The Secret of Pin-Up Island. Don't get me wrong, I respect the Romanian New Wave for what it is, but sometimes you get tired of all the bleak, depressing stories about life's hardships. This film was like a breath of fresh air.

Thank you, SimFest, for screening this film during the festival. It doesn't feel like the typical Romanian movie - it feels global, universal. The production value alone makes you think it came out of Hollywood! The themes, though grounded in Romania, speak to everyone, no matter where you live. Mental health, trauma, self-discovery... these are international issues, and I'm so glad a Romanian director like Alecs Nastoiu took the bold step of tackling them in such a unique way.

There's this absurd, yet brilliant scene in the CEO's office (no spoilers, I promise!), and it had me laughing with a sense of irony because it's so true to life. This is a film that gives you hope while making you think, and I can't wait to see it again when it hits theaters.

The main character captured the woman's situation in a deeply abstracted manner and connected to the technological reality that surrounds her and tends to become the status quo.

There are many symbols and subtexts that make you repeat the narrative thread multiple times, discovering new layers each time and after this way of thinking you find, especially as a woman, multiple similari times with the common, everyday situations you face and learn to accept and overcome them, as well as to internalize them in a conscious and healthy way.

It is totally different from the native Romanian media landscape, it feels like a breath of fresh air and i highly recommend it.