In Kaltrina Krasniqi’s moving drama Vera Dreams of the Sea–a film about exploitation and sacrifice–director Kaltrina Krasniqi proves that, yes, revenge is a dish best served cold.
Our hero–the stoic matriarch at the center of the film–is Vera (Teuta Ajdini). Vera is a middle-aged sign language interpreter who is nearing retirement and eyeing a relaxing future on the sandy shores outside of the city in Kosovo. She and her husband, Fatmir (Ilire Vinca Celaj), own a second property in a remote village that has recently become worth thousands and Vera plans to capitalize on the hot commodity and sell it, fast. However, her beachside musings will have to wait.
Tragedy befalls Vera and her family when her husband surprisingly takes his own life. Immediately, her hopes for their future together are washed away. To further add to her heartache and confusion, a family friend, Ahmet (Astrit Kabashi), claims that before he died, Fatmir verbally gave the property rights over to him. This is news to Vera, who doesn’t believe her husband would do that behind her back. But as the film goes on, blackmail and harassment begin to follow Vera and her family, ultimately forcing her hand towards relinquishing the house to Ahmet. But Vera, being the wise woman that she is, has one last trick up her sleeve.
A semi-autobiographical tribute to her own mother, Kaltrina Krasniqi creates a swelling, tension-filled living nightmare for all players involved. In its conservative 82-minute runtime, Vera Dreams of the Sea speaks to archaic political institutions and women’s role in society, specifically in Kosovo; it’s both a history lesson and a fable packaged as a female empowerment film, and I’m here for it.
Krasniqi plays with blurring the line between fantasy and reality in beautifully choreographed, surreal seaside moments. The ocean waves sweep over Vera, serving as a physical cleansing of her foreboding problems, if only metaphorically. Her daydreams serve as her escape, and this fantasy world is her safe place.
Vera Dreams of the Sea is a slow burner that simmers with intensity. Vera is a submissive woman by nature, and the film follows in a similar vein. It’s quiet, searing, and serves as a reminder to never underestimate the underdog.
Distributed by Heretic. ‘Vera Dreams of the Sea’ is awaiting US release.
