LIVE FROM THE INDUSTRY@TALLINN & BALTIC EVENT

Just like flowers in early spring, love blossoms when a group of teenagers go to a country house in early to celebrate the arrival of summer. When They Bloom explores the vague – often confusing and conflicting – sentiments that these characters experience. The focus is on the three girls, just as they try to grasp infatuation, each in their own way. The film raises the vital question: is there one right way to love?

This short film from Serbia is a solid piece of filmmaking, with a gently disjointed script (with the many characters confusingly trying to work out their sentiments). Perhaps this is intentional. It is fitting that the audience gets lost in the story. It gives them the opportunity to interpret the film the way they see fit.

The visuals and sound effects neatly complement the twists and turns of the narrative. For example, leaves hide two teenagers from view as they timidly discuss their mutual fondness. They delicately conceal their sentiments. The sounds of nature – bird chirping, insects buzzing, crickets singing – create a touch of tension.

The question posed throughout the film – whether there is only one way to love – remains unanswered. Both feelings and flowers come in all shapes and forms.

When They Bloom premiered in the PÖFF Shorts section of the 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. A movie with a strong potential in the festival circuit. This review was written as part of the Film Review Workshop conducted on November 10th, 2024.