Bezbog

A dull, slow telling of a depressing, ugly story. The fact that it rings true to life does not make it any more palatable.

Like much of contemporary Bulgarian cinema the film dwells on issues dealing with the corrupt and cynical legacy of a post-communist state in which police, criminals and judiciary co-exist hand-in-glove to the detriment of ordinary people and society as a whole. There are however no redeeming features, no fulfilling outcome, just an ever darkening absence of innocence.

I am at a loss to understand the enthusiastic reception the film has enjoyed; was it the ever lingering long closeups of the main character, the expressionless acting, the uninspired cinematography or the slow linear storytelling that merited awards?

If you want a punchy, impactful and memorable film that deals with the same reality, I suggest you watch Glory (Slava) instead; it's dark but funny and refreshing in equal measures.

This film has clearly divided people - like all good art should, but I am happy to say I am on the side of those who loved it.

This is a gritty tale, no doubt about it. But I found a grim black humour and a core pillar of redemption running throughout this film that I found inspiring.

The casting, of the characters particularly Irena Ivanova, was perfect. Her carefully observed stillness and expression held the narrative perfectly throughout.

The story itself was uncompromising, but I felt it left enough room for hope through redemption. In Godless redemption doesn't mean happily ever after, but perhaps that the world has a way of evening itself out.

10/10