TRACES – Review by Amber Wilkinson
Croatia’s Oscar submission is a subtle meditation on past influences in the life of an anthropologist.
Anthropologist Ana (Marija Skaricic) is herself studied intensely by Dubravka Turic’s low-key examination of grief and moving on. Though the traces of the title refer directly to Ana’s area of interest – ancient grave inscriptions and rituals – Turic’s debut film is infused with a multitude of additional echoes from the past and whispers from the future.
Those willing to fall into step with Turic’s rhythms will find themselves rewarded.
The subtle nature of Turic’s drama, which she also edits, requires a little patience from viewers, but those willing to fall into step with her rhythms will find themselves rewarded. Traces has left its mark on the festival circuit since its premiere in Warsaw competition in 2022. It has now been selected as Croatia’s entry for Best International Feature at the Oscars, which should help raise its profile with potential arthouse distributors.
Rain sets the mournful tone for Turic’s film as Ana makes a solo field trip to the mountains where, in bygone eras, bodies were carried for burial, and stone monuments, named ‘Mirila’, were laid out in tribute to the dead. Ana also carries traces of her own stress, white patches caused by vitiligo which she covers with make-up; a condition that is no doubt exacerbated by the failing health of her father (Mate Gulin). Continue reading.
