Cannes 2024 - Three Kilometres to the End of the World by Emanuel Parvu

Emanuel Parvu’s Three Thousand Kilometres to the End of the World is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, a quietly devastating exploration of prejudice, systemic corruption, and the suffocating weight of silence. Set in a picturesque Romanian village, the film contrasts its idyllic surroundings with the psychological violence simmering beneath the surface, creating a tension that is as unsettling as it is compelling. 

Parvu’s direction is masterful in its restraint, using a gentle tone and deliberate pacing to draw the audience into a world where bigotry and complicity are simmering under the quiet surface. The story follows a young man, played with remarkable subtlety by newcomer Ciprian Chiujdea, who becomes the victim of a homophobic attack. What follows is not just a physical recovery but a harrowing journey through a community entrenched in prejudice and denial. Parvu’s script is sharp, meticulously unpacking the layers of complicity that allow such violence to persist. The film doesn’t rely on overt drama or grand gestures; instead, it finds its power in the quiet moments: the sideways glances, the hushed conversations, the unspoken agreements that bind the village together. 

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to challenge the audience’s empathy. Parvu doesn’t present his characters as mere villains or victims; instead, he paints them in shades of grey, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable reality that even those who seem kind or ordinary can perpetuate harm. The young man’s parents, for instance, are not overtly malicious, but their inability to confront the truth or stand up for their son speaks volumes about the insidious nature of societal norms. This nuanced approach gives the film its depth, making it not just a story about one boy’s suffering but a broader commentary on the ways in which silence and inaction enable injustice. 

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Luca Sabin delivering a heartbreaking portrayal of resilience and vulnerability. The supporting cast, particularly those playing the villagers, bring a quiet authenticity to their roles, embodying the casual cruelty and moral ambiguity that define the community. Parvu’s direction complements these performances perfectly, using long takes and naturalistic framing to create an almost documentary-like intimacy. The cinematography, with its lush landscapes and soft light, serves as a stark contrast to the emotional brutality of the story, heightening the sense of dissonance and unease. 

Three Thousand Kilometres to the End of the World is a powerful, thought-provoking film that showcases manuel Parvu’s skill as both a writer and director. Its exploration of prejudice and complicity is handled with a rare combination of subtlety and depth.

Review by Laurent de Alberti

Star rating: ★★★★☆

Official Selection, in competition

Three Kilometres to the End of the World. Directed by Emanual Parvu. Starring Ciprian Chuijdea, Laura Vasiliu...