Synopsis
Foreword: Domestic violence is, unfortunately, still a current topic in Romanian society. Adrian Pădurețu explores this through a story in a loop, in which the effect has an already known cause and the abuse is normalized – cinepub.ro
Directed by: Adrian Pădurețu
Cast: Sandra Ducuța, Andrei Anghel, Alina Grigore, Ionuț Achivoaie
Script by: Alina Grigore
Producer: Adrian Pădurețu (Forest Film)
Cinematography: Adrian Pădurețu
Edited by: Răzvan Roșca, Adrian Pădurețu
Sound: Mihai Bogos
Year: 2025
Category: Short film
Genre: Drama
Duration: 13 minutes
16,582 – Cinepub viewers
PLOT SUMMARY
When he learns that his daughter Sandra has been beaten up by Andrei, her young husband, Ion embarks on a short and frustrating philosophical journey of the rural “why”. Is Andrei alone to blame?
TRIVIA:
- Adrian Pădurețu is a Romanian cinematographer and producer, appreciated for his expressive visual style and his passion for telling stories through images. With over a decade of experience, through his company Forest Film, Adrian has contributed to a wide range of audiovisual projects – from music videos to award-winning feature films. Notable titles he has signed on to picture include “Blue Moon” (winner of the Golden Shell at San Sebastian, 2021) and Marian Crișan’s period film “Warboy”, as well as numerous acclaimed shorts and documentaries. “Subtle Shades” marks his directorial debut, in collaboration with Alina Grigore as screenwriter.
- On the motivation behind writing the script, Alina Grigore says: “The colors of domestic violence are as multiple, contrasting and intertwined as a bruise on the cheek. The transition from red to blue and then to green of a bruise is as subtle as the transition from noticing the obvious victim to blaming her. How easily can we find the justifying motive in the violence and forgiveness of loving abuse?”
LINES:
• “How to say pope instead of priest? It’s a matter of nuance.” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “It’s normal to argue.” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “You’ve also raised her a bit… with your mouth. She’s always talking.” – Alina (Alina Grigore)
• “You said you punched her in front of everyone.” – Ion (Ionuț Achivoaie)
• “Let the priest see that you stayed until the end.” – Ion (Ionuț Achivoaie)
• “In front of the priest, yes. That’s why I got angry.” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “You call me hysterical in front of the priest?” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “Where did you punch her? Outside or in the car?” – Ion (Ionuț Achivoaie)
• “I told him not to put me in such a situation in front of the priest.” – Sandra (Sandra Ducuța)
• “He called my sister an asshole. My sister who gave the most money (at the wedding).” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “(…) I apologize (…) I only want her to talk to me, not to leave home.” – Andrei (Andrei Anghel)
• “She’s stupid, that’s how old women are.” – Ion (Ionuț Achivoaie)
• “If you love each other, you can get through anything.” – Ion (Ionuț Achivoaie)
ARTICLES:
- Adrian Pădurețu Cinematograpfer – adrianpaduretu.com
