In modern day Europe, demonic possession seems to be a thing of the past, something most likely to be attributed to mental illness, and something that can be dealt with through modern medicine, not exorcism. Still, exorcisms are conducted in certain areas in the continent, and some instances don’t go the way they should. Inspired on the real life Tanacu exorcism, Beyond the Hills doesn’t depict the event through a horror or melodramatic lens– instead the film is stoic, naturalistic, with long single takes that linger uncomfortably and repetitively. As Alina pleads to Voichița to help her, to choose her and their bond, Voichița grapples with wanting the modern yet isolating freedom she knows Alina has found elsewhere, while still wanting the refuge religious tradition has granted her, but also has made her dependent on. It does take a while to reach its conclusion, but Beyond the Hills is a deeply unsettling and striking movie to watch.
"A slowly, quietly riveting passion play for a nation grappling with secularism and modernity."
— Anton Bitel
"Beyond the Hills is a film of great formal rigour and a furious indictment of religion as an instrument of patriarchal oppression."
— Amy Taubin
Alina returns to Romania from Germany, hoping to bring Voichita—the only person in the world she loves and was loved by—back with her. But Voichita has found God, and God is the hardest lover of all to best.
After going separate ways, two childhood sweethearts Voichița and Alina meet again, after Alina left their orphanage to work in Germany and Voichița has chosen to become a nun.
With a runtime longer than two hours, Beyond the Hills might be a tad too slow for some viewers, myself included.
I can’t believe this was real.
Cannes
2 wins
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
European Film Awards
1 nomination
