“Attenberg” is a 2010 Greek drama film directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari. The story revolves around Marina (Ariane Labed), a young woman living in a small industrial town, and her relationship with her terminally ill father, Spyros (Vangelis Mourikis).
Marina and Spyros share an unconventional and intimate bond, living in their idiosyncratic world. Influenced by nature documentaries, Marina observes human behavior with detached curiosity, often mimicking the mating rituals and movements of animals. She is fascinated by the complexity of human emotions and relationships yet struggles to connect with others personally.
As Spyros’s health deteriorates, Marina grapples with the impending loss of her father and must confront the realities of mortality. Throughout the film, Marina’s closest friend is Bella (Evangelia Randou), an outgoing and uninhibited young woman who contrasts with Marina’s more reserved nature. Bella encourages Marina to explore her own desires and confront her emotional inhibitions.
The film weaves together family, love, and mortality themes against a changing industrial landscape. The characters navigate their relationships distinctively and unconventionally, challenging traditional notions of intimacy and connection. Tsangari’s direction emphasizes the beauty in the mundane and captures the essence of small-town life.
“Attenberg” received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and Ariane Labed’s compelling performance. The film is known for its exploration of human relationships, eccentric characters, and its departure from conventional narrative structures. It also addresses themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexity of the human experience. Another interesting note: the visionary Greek film director Yorgos Lanthimos (Killing of the Sacred Deer, The Favorite, Poor Things) has a cameo, playing an engineer.
The Other Cinema 