Rosinante

One of the most captivating and striking films I've seen recently about the precariat. It seamlessly weaves together the precarization of society and the emergence of modern-day slavery, infiltrating our lives and unraveling a family-all without sinking into gloom, instead flowing with wit and grace. In doing so, it paints an intricate canvas of Istanbul, drawing from diverse neighborhoods, human faces, and voices. The daring motorcycle sequences, which feel like they were shot with a city-wide dolly setup, bring an urban pulse not seen in Turkish cinema for ages. Given this is the director's debut, it's clear we're witnessing the birth of an electrifying new filmography. The references to Italian Neorealism are masterfully placed, drawing a parallel between the post-war struggles of Italy and today's world of uncertainty after the pandemic. The film's acceptance into prestigious festivals across the globe is a powerful testament to its brilliance. A must-see gem in modern Turkish cinema.