Thalassa, Thalassa

In this very unusual film, a group of young boys (and one girl) find and steal a Jaguar convertible, and decide to drive to the sea. What starts out as a lark deteriorates into a rather grueling journey.

From the opening scenes, one might think this were a children's movie. It isn't. Writer/director Bogdan Dumitrescu intends to tell us about human nature, and he apparently sees more darkness than light. The children behave like children, but they also are essential human beings, unencumbered by the restraints of authority and socialization. Happily, though, Dumitrescu does not rub symbolism in our faces. If all you want is a naturalistic, emotionally engaging narrative, "Thalassa, Thalassa" will fill the bill.

The young cast, none of whom looks more than 11 years old, is excellent.