Němá tajemství

For me, this is the best Czech film of 2023. This unassuming relationship drama with a crime plot is a true uplift for Czech cinema. An absolutely brilliant film in every aspect. The performances of the main trio, perfect music, camera, and script are without any weak points. Based on the previews, I had certain expectations, but the film completely demolished them and raised them much higher. The resolution of the plot is somewhat predictable from the second half of the film, but it's nothing that would spoil the overall impression for me. This achievement definitely deserves more attention. The concept and plot are original, and it certainly has a chance to captivate a pan-European audience. (29.09.2023)

Definitely the better of the two films that Tomáš Mašín brought to cinema screens in 2023. The significantly positive outcome was greatly aided by Alice Nellis and a masterfully written screenplay, on which I have only minimal criticisms related to the predictability of the surprises and the reveal. The greatest treasure lies in the dialogue between Jana Plodková and Milena Steinmasslová. I agree with the opinion that Marián Mitaš was undeservedly overlooked for his certainly very complex role. A film that certainly did not fill the cinema's cash boxes, but has a lot to say and will please any discerning viewer. (27.04.2024)

Tomáš Mašín's film combines a romantic and psychological crime drama in an appealing way, and thanks to the well-written and believably acted characters, Exhale leaves a strong impression on the viewer and makes them think about the story it depicts. None of the four 'main' characters - Erika, Martin, Jana and Dana - come across as black and white and the makers manage to create a believable mini-story around each of them, justifying and slowly revealing their motives. The two plot twists in the storyline don't come as any surprise, as the viewer has suspected them for some time before their reveal, but I don't see this as a flaw. In fact, Mašín and Alice Nellis served me a well-written film, which, thanks to the story (I praise the problematization of the not-so-common theme of aphasia), the non-linear narrative and the crime plot, managed to keep me engrossed throughout the entire running time - and that counts. Last but not least, I praise the above-average music for Czech standards. (08.09.2023)

I believe Tomáš Mašín always manages to surprise. This time, he has directed an intimate drama built around three striking female performances. Together with Alice Nellis, they crafted a script that combines the classic, painful theme of euthanasia with the trauma of a parallel family, presented in the format of a viewer-friendly detective story. The seemingly incompatible elements complement each other well, and all three actresses received very grateful material, from which they managed to create very vivid characters. Suppressed is a film that doesn't break any formal boundaries, but it's certainly something we Czechs needn't be ashamed of and can consider an example of how our films could look. (10.07.2024)

Quite possibly one of the best Czech productions of last year, this is a surprisingly solid crime drama. A strong and uncomfortable premise, where a vet becomes paralyzed after a horse accident and his wife has to deal with her disabled husband. Soon, though, various secrets start to surface and the police start poking around. Good interrogations, fine acting (Jana Plodková is great) and the finale, while not all that shocking, is certainly not entirely expected. If it were a foreign film, I'd rate it a better three stars, but I'm happy to round up here. A must for fans of psychological crime dramas. A situation none of us would want to experience. 7/10. (04.05.2024)