Natural Light

World War II, occupied Soviet Union. István Semetka is a simple Hungarian farmer who serves as a Caporal in a special unit scouting for partisan groups. On their way to a remote village, his company falls under enemy fire. As the commander is killed, Semetka has to overcome his fears and take command of the unit as he is dragged into a chaos that he cannot control. 

The debut feature film by Hungarian documentary filmmaker Dénes Nagy is a sensitive and atmospheric anti-war that was inspired by Elem Klimov’s 1985 masterpiece Come and See. However, Nagy’s slow burn drama keeps most of the atrocities understated and off-screen, instead focusing on the moral issues of complicity and personal responsibility during times of war. A strangely beautiful and disquieting film.