Oscar-winning director László Nemes (‘Son of Saul’) explores the Budapest of pre-World War One in his extraordinary portrait of a society on the cusp of change. Irisz Leiter (Juli Jakab) arrives in Budapest, seeking a job as a milliner at the grand store that bears her name. She has arrived in the week of a historic celebration, which also coincides a visit by dignitaries from the Austrian royal court. At the same time, revolution is afoot, with radical groups planning rebellion. The mystery of Irisz’s past propels the film through the various levels of society, as Nemes explores the last gasp of this decadent world. Employing the same audacious visual style that made his Oscar and BAFTA-winning debut so compelling, Nemes transports us completely into this chaotic moment in history. ★★★★ “As vivid as a nightmarish dream that’s too slippery to fully comprehend but too haunting to forget” - Alistair Harkness, The Scotsman ★★★★ “An atmospheric mystery drama” - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian ★★★★★ “An enigma wrapped in a historical drama, this is one to admire and puzzle over” - Tara Brady, Irish Times
