What a year for international cinema it has been?
There are many great films that will get a big spotlight this year at the Oscars, especially Drive My Car, Flee, and The Worst Person in the World. Each of these international works is getting attention in multiple categories. As I paraphrase a successful director from outside us…if you can get past the inch of text on screen, you can open your world to so much great cinema. The last few years have only doubled down on this (probably starting with Parasite). But there are certain films that missed out on those five slots for Best International Film this year that deserve some love. A Hero from Iran is shocking that it did not receive more attention and recognition. Titane and Bad Luck Banging on the other hand…might make a little more sense. They are not necessarily easy to process and digest films for cinemagoers. Oh yeah…and they are incredibly kinky and sexual. But one Bulgarian film not getting its fair share of love is Fear?
What makes this film so impressive that it represented the whole country of Bulgaria for the Oscar selections?
Well first, this is a perfectly darkly funny journey with plenty to say. Writer/director Ivaylo Hristov weaves in plenty of darkly funny and some not-so-dark funny moments. Our protagonist, Svetla, is not necessarily the most likable character to start. She is not inviting anyone on her property, in her personal space, or even in her headspace. She takes down suitors in the most vicious and hilarious of ways. But she also comes to verbal blows with an African refugee who finds his way near her property. What ensues is a funny and awkward connection that grows into something more.
But this black comedy cannot be all fun and games, can it?
There is a universal tale of refugees and racial tensions that line every scene of the film. It is quite apparent that this small Bulgarian town does not take kindly to a black man in their community. What is the worst? He might be developing an affair with a white woman in their town. The racism is overt and the hate manifests quickly. This is a serious issue that can be seen in any culture (yes…even ours). The heart of the film is conveyed well through the dynamic combo of our leads. There is a lot of emotion and tension throughout the film. Svetla does not see Bamba as a welcomed guest in her country. There is a real sense of danger when she points her shotgun at him.
The film spends the time to highlight different aspects of the town as we see the military forces, neighbors, and others and how they react to seeing interracial connections growing.
Hristov never shies away from the tough situation that is this film that benefits the piece.
Speaking of our two leads, how do Svetlana Yancheva and Michael Flemming deliver on the acting end of things?
Yancheva creates Svetla as a wry ornery woman who carries a lot of grief. She has lost both in love and in her career. This baggage makes her sympathetic despite her going around and chasing off children and eviscerating potential suitors. It is a pleasure to see Yancheva show her range and Yvetla begins to warm and that chilling façade melts away. Flemming is quite the character from the jump. He is quirky and weird with a look to reinforce it. He wows the audience with his charm and endlessly chaotic energy. The fire and ice between Svetla and Bamba create quite the steam. Watching them together is one of the biggest wins for this black comedy that has plenty going for it.
Does this Bulgarian black comedy stand out in a sea of impressive international films this year?
Without a doubt, Fear delivers the goods. The film is funny, tense, and heartbreaking all at the same time.
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In a world full of tension, this film tackles some of the biggest issues with grace and biting wit. Hristov breaks out with this great concept and his sharp script and talented cast do the rest. This is a special film worth your time during this busy award season.
