Our take
This Oscar-nominated drama tells the story of the events leading up to the Srebrenica massacre, in which 8372 Bosnian Muslims were killed. It focuses on one U.N. worker who was caught between trying to protect her family, herself, and helping people in need.
The film is as horrific as it is relevant: up until the actual killing starts, people are constantly being assured that everything is under control and that there is no reason to panic. This gives an eerie feeling of resemblance to the tone many minorities in distress receive nowadays.
Still, Quo Vadis, Aida? stops at depicting any of the acts that were committed that day. Instead, it focuses on Aida’s unrelenting race against the clock to save whatever she can.
Streaming arrival
What it won
Oscars
1 nom
Venice
2 wins
BAFTA
2 noms
Spirit Awards
1 win
European Film Awards
3 wins · 2 noms
The story
Bosnia, July 1995. Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. As an insider to the negotiations Aida has access to crucial information that she needs to interpret. What is at the horizon for her family and people – rescue or death? Which move should she take?
Elsewhere
"For much of the story the focus is on Aida's face, behind which maternal courage is corralling an escalating fury."
— Tim Hayes
"In "Quo Vaids, Aida?", banic lays bare the deeply human toll of violence and war."
— Jude Dry
The details
Who picked it
Bilal Zouheir is the founder of A Good Movie to Watch. He is based in the US and a member of the Nevada Film Critics Society. He grew up in Morocco, where he learned English from watching movies. Bilal's work with A Good Movie to Watch is focused on offering an alternative to streaming algorithms, which are often used as commercial tools by streaming services.
Best film I’ve watched in years. Watch it.
One of best movies I’ve seen. Bosnian cinematography at it’s best.