I missed this first time round and am so glad I caught up with it at an afternoon showing at a local independent cinema. Even more encouraging was that I expected to be the only person there but, although only a smattering of people (in a large auditorium), there were enough to create an atmosphere (that may be in my head but hopefully some people will get what I mean). So, transfixed by Hilda Peter from the outset, the film moved beautifully through dreamy countryside as the revelation of a hidden secret drove Katalin and her son away from their marital home. The menacing undertone haunted their journey to remote villages, the audience waiting for the inevitable vengeance to erupt. The nature of the film and its brutal climax prompted something I love to see as the credits rolled. No one moved or spoke. If the audience is out of their seats the second the picture fades I feel either they're relieved the film has finished or have weak bladders or a drink problem. Katalin Varga was successful in conquering the audience, an endorsement of its quality. See it.
Review of Katalin Varga
