EUFF 2025 | In-Person: Nov. 13 - Nov. 27 | Online: Dec. 1 - 15

Drowning Dry

Sesės

Lithuania
Directed by: Laurynas Bareiša
Language:
Lithuanian with English subtitles
Genre:
Drama
Runtime:
88 min
YEAR:
2024

Laurynas Bareiša’s often startling family drama, rendered in a fragmented narrative reminiscent of Atom Egoyan’s “The Sweet Hereafter”, is a powerful, affecting tale of two families whose summer holiday goes awry. Ernesta and her husband Lukas head to a lakeside country home with their son, accompanied by Ernesta’s sister Juste and her husband and daughter. We soon learn that both marriages are facing challenges and that this country holiday is not as idyllic as it first appears. When a sudden accident happens at the lake, their worlds change utterly, but can they recover? Moving back and forth in time, Bareisa’s film is an intense, surprising examination of relationship, family, and how trauma is both experienced and processed.

“Part of the joy of the film is watching Bareiša’s work [as cinematographer] …”Drowning Dry” holds you at arm’s length, but I found it more moving—and unsettling—because of that.”

Sheila O’Malley, (RogerEbert.com)

“Subtly powerful … Time slips back and forth in a way that constantly pulls the viewer out of their comfort zone, although never at the expense of the story.”

Jordan Mintzer, (The Hollywood Reporter)

Awards:

Best Director, Performances (to the ensemble)
Locarno Film Festival 2024

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