Father's Struggle: Addiction and Dreams

Thea Gajić's debut film presents an intelligent drama centered on a father's pursuit of contentment amid heroin dependency.

The narrative emphasizes the 'one day at a time' approach to recovery, offering a realistic portrayal inspired by the filmmaker's own father.

Slavko Sobin delivers a compelling performance as Vlad, a charismatic former soldier and recovering heroin addict residing in Bristol. Having arrived in the UK in the 1990s to escape the Yugoslav civil war, Vlad now works as a drug counsellor.

Vlad's daughter, Maria, an artist in London, harbors complex feelings toward her father, torn between apprehension and a desire for connection.

The film suggests that boredom and delusion, rather than just 'demons,' may challenge Vlad's recovery. He yearns for more than his current life, dreaming of larger audiences for his harmonica performances.

Gajić's script thoughtfully explores addiction as a disease, avoiding simplistic interpretations and marking a confident stride for the emerging filmmaker.