The Cinematheque

“A poised, consistently intriguing combination of suspense with a timely consideration of a woman’s journey towards self-realization.”

Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Smoczyńska (The Lure) directs a moody psychodrama that opens with the startling appearance in a subway station of a dishevelled woman in a filthy, once-elegant clothes. Fast-forward two years and the woman, Alicja (Gabriela Muskała, remarkable), sports a spiky haircut, punk-inspired attire, and a fierce, take-no-prisoners attitude. She has no memory of her past—even when a TV appearance results in a call from her father and the revelation of a husband and young son. Reunited with her family, Alicja feels trapped rather than relieved. To her, these people are strangers, and she feels no inclination to resume the roles of wife and mother. Struggling to reconcile her past and present lives, Alicja must uncover who she was, and decide who she wants to be.

Post-screening discussion with Dr. Ingrid Söchting, Director, UBC Psychology Clinic, and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UBC. Over the past 25 years, she has specialized in treatment for mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, OCD, and trauma.

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.