"Day of the Tiger" (original title: "Tigru") is a 2023 Romanian drama directed by Andrei Tănase. The film follows Vera, a 31-year-old veterinarian in a small Transylvanian town, who becomes obsessed with performing proper Eastern Orthodox burial rituals for her newborn after his death. This obsession leads her to spend more time at work, causing a rift with her husband, Toma. The narrative intensifies when a tiger escapes from the local zoo, intertwining Vera's personal turmoil with the ensuing search for the animal.
Director's Vision:
Andrei Tănase aimed to explore the thin line between human and animal instincts, using the escaped tiger as a metaphor for Vera's internal struggles. The film delves into themes of grief, obsession, and the search for meaning amidst personal chaos. Tănase's direction emphasizes a blend of realism and symbolism, capturing the raw emotions of his protagonist.
Themes:
Grief and Obsession: Vera's fixation on her child's burial rituals reflects her deep mourning and inability to move forward.
Human vs. Animal Instincts: The escaped tiger symbolizes the untamed emotions within Vera, highlighting the parallels between human and animal behaviors.
Isolation and Alienation: Vera's increasing detachment from her husband and immersion in her work underscore her sense of isolation.
Key Success Factors:
Strong Performances: Cătălina Moga delivers a compelling portrayal of Vera, capturing the character's complexity and depth.
Cinematic Storytelling: The film's concise runtime of 80 minutes ensures a tight narrative that maintains audience engagement.
Symbolic Depth: The intertwining of Vera's personal journey with the tiger's escape offers a layered narrative that invites analysis and reflection.
Awards, and Nominations: 2 wins & 11 nominations
"Day of the Tiger" was selected for the Bright Future section at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in 2023, indicating its recognition as a noteworthy debut feature.
Critical Reception:
Critics have praised the film for its atmospheric storytelling and Moga's standout performance. The International Cinephile Society noted, "Day of the Tiger is a captivating film that carries a wealth of meaning, much of it drawn from an internal, self-reflective series of conversations the director has with himself and his characters."
Production Details:
Production Companies: Domestic Film (Romania), Graal (Greece), and EPT (France)
Distribution and Sales:
The film's international sales are managed by Totem Films. It has been showcased at various film festivals, including the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Gijón International Film Festival.
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/437490/
About movie: https://www.totem-films.com/films/day-of-the-tiger/
Link to watch: https://www.universcine.com/films/tigresse (France)
Why Recommend This Movie:
"Day of the Tiger" offers a poignant exploration of grief and personal transformation, set against the evocative backdrop of Transylvania. Cătălina Moga's compelling performance, combined with Andrei Tănase's thoughtful direction, makes this film a noteworthy addition to contemporary Romanian cinema. Its concise storytelling and symbolic depth provide a rich viewing experience for audiences interested in character-driven narratives.
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