The Secret of Pin-Up Island

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.

Going into The Secret of Pin-Up Island, I thought I was in for a typical sci-fi or a quirky adventure story. Wow, was I wrong! What I found was an intelligent, deeply philosophical exploration of mental health, trauma, and self-reflection. The film uses symbols and metaphors in such a smart way that you can't help but dive deeper into the story with each scene.

As someone who has been in therapy for years, I truly appreciated how the film approached this subject. Mental health isn't something that's talked about enough, especially in Eastern Europe, and it's incredibly refreshing to see a film that tackles these issues head-on. Alecs Nastoiu has done a phenomenal job at creating a piece that resonates on so many levels. Rina Gri's performance as Alesia, especially in those long, thought-provoking monologues, reminded me of the patience needed to truly listen to someone with trauma. It's a film that challenges you - it requires your full attention, but if you give it that, it'll reward you in ways you didn't expect.

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.

As a fan of films with strong female representation, The Secret of Pin-Up Island took my breath away. Not only does it feature an all-female cast - something you rarely see - but the story itself dives deeply into exploring women, their vulnerabilities, and their inner strength. It brought to mind classics like The Women (1939) directed by George Cukor, but with a surreal twist that makes it stand out.

I had the chance to watch this incredible film at TIFF Romania, and I couldn't help but feel emotional, especially in that final scene where Alesia, played so beautifully by Rina Gri, sings with such raw emotion. I cried. The tears just came because I saw myself and so many other women I know in her. And what a joy to see not just the cast but so many women behind the camera too! It felt like a true celebration of women's voices in film, both in front of and behind the scenes.

This film has done something really important by giving women the space to tell complex, multifaceted stories. Bravo to Alecs Nastoiu and the whole team for creating something so powerful!

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!