"Escort" is a 2023 Croatian erotic thriller directed by Lukas Nola, marking his final film before his passing in October 2022. The narrative centers on Miro, a 40-year-old businessman who, for the first time, spends a night with a prostitute sent to his hotel room after a business meeting. Following their encounter, he discovers her dead in the bathroom. To conceal the incident, Miro enlists the help of two hotel employees, leading to a series of escalating demands that entangle him in a web of blackmail and moral dilemmas.
Themes:
Moral Ambiguity: The film delves into the complexities of right and wrong, highlighting how a single decision can spiral into unforeseen consequences.
Power and Manipulation: It explores the dynamics of control, as Miro becomes ensnared by those who initially assist him.
Societal Hypocrisy: Nola critiques societal norms, exposing the underlying violence and primitivism that influence behavior.
Awards:
"Escort" premiered at the 70th Pula Film Festival on July 18, 2023, where it received:
Golden Arena for Best Supporting Actor: Awarded to Krešimir Mikić for his portrayal of Belc.
Golden Arena for Best Production Design: Awarded to Ivan Veljača.
Special Recognition by the Croatian Independent Cinema Network: Honoring Nola's impactful storytelling.
4 wins & 1 nomination international film festivals
Reviews:
Cineuropa: Described "Escort" as "an impressive work of cinema on almost every level," praising its writing, structure, and performances, particularly highlighting Živko Anočić's portrayal of Miro.
Gazettely: Noted Nola's masterful use of visual and aural artistry, stating that "through masterful directing, cinematography, and music, Nola brought The Escort’s internal and external conflicts to startling life."
Production:
Director and Screenwriter: Lukas Nola
Producers:
Ankica Jurić Tilić
Dragan Jurić
Hrvoje Pervan
Cinematography: Frane Pamić
Editing: Slaven Zečević
Music: Aleksandar Pejovski
Production Design: Ivan Veljača
Costume Design: Željka Franulović
Sound Design: Igor Popovski
Production Companies:
Kinorama (Croatia)
Skopje Film Studio (North Macedonia)
Buka Production (Kosovo)
Distributors:
Duplicato Media handled the film's distribution in Croatia, with its theatrical release commencing on October 26, 2023.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28150540/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/446612/
About movie: https://www.kinorama.hr/en/filmovi/Escort/77
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/escort (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/escort (Canada)
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