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Decidedly not a film that will be used by the Greek Ministry of Tourism to promote visiting and / or living in the country. Syllas Tzoumerkas successfully creates a feeling of constant unease and dread, even in "normal" circumstances (the dinner scene is a standout). Angeliki Papoulia pulls off a role that would be conventional for a male actor (the foul-mouthed cop with a chip on her shoulder), but it is unconventional precisely because she is a woman. You smell something vile and rotten throughout this movie, so it's not for all moods. *** out of 4.

"To Mikro Psari" aka "Little Fish" (2014) is kind of a Greek take on the Quentin Tarantino formula, mixed with the "stoic, lonely hitman" mythology. It is clearly the work of an auteur: every shot seems to have thought & planning behind it. Atmospheric, with good location work (set mostly in a deserted, decadent Athens), but be warned: it is exceptionally foul-mouthed, and laced with sick black humor. Mourikis is an unforgettable screen "face", for sure. *** out of 4.

Maarita Mäkelä is gorgeous as the title character, in a Finnish bid for the trendy New Wave market. Well-photographed in black & white, but unfortunately borrows one of the Wave's most annoying characteristics: it has no story. Mäkelä is a young teacher who falls in love with a rebellious student...and that's about it. There are indications that the film also wanted to paint a feminist portrait of her, but we never really get inside her mind: she remains mainly a beautiful camera subject. ** out of 4.