🎬 Movie Review: Consequences (2018)
“Every choice has a price.”
Consequences (2018) is a powerful and harrowing drama directed by Darko Å uvak, which immerses viewers into a story about redemption, personal responsibility, and the devastating impact of one’s choices. With a standout performance by Andrija Kuzmanović, this film offers a stark, unflinching look at the consequences of a young man’s actions as he tries to navigate the emotional and moral fallout from a life-altering mistake.
The story follows Damir (played by Kuzmanović), a troubled young man who, after being sentenced to a juvenile detention center for his violent actions, struggles with his inner demons and the harsh reality of the institution’s power dynamics. As he finds himself stuck in a world that seems unforgiving and impossible to escape, he forms unexpected connections with other inmates, including a reluctant friendship with a fellow detainee and a volatile relationship with the facility’s authority figures.
The emotional weight of Consequences lies not just in Damir’s actions but in the psychological toll they take on him and those around him. His journey is one of self-doubt, anger, and the quest for redemption. The film expertly explores themes of guilt, shame, and the hunger for change—often in subtle, fleeting moments, whether in a glance or a quiet conversation. The script doesn’t rely on melodrama but instead crafts a story that is both raw and authentic.
Visually, the film adopts a minimalist style, with muted colors and stark, cold settings that emphasize the sense of entrapment and isolation. The cinematography adds to the oppressive atmosphere, often focusing on close-ups of Damir’s face, capturing his inner turmoil and the struggle of someone who is beginning to understand the true weight of his actions. The claustrophobic spaces of the detention center are mirrored by his emotional state, making the setting itself a character in the story.
The supporting cast also delivers powerful performances, with each character adding to the tension of Damir’s journey. In particular, the character of the facility’s head, played by Nina Violić, is a cold but necessary foil to Damir’s emotional chaos, offering a hard-line approach that forces Damir to confront his own moral choices.
Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Consequences is a film that takes its time to unfold, but when it does, it hits hard. With its thought-provoking themes, raw performances, and minimalist approach, it offers a moving exploration of the psychological aftermath of bad decisions. It’s not an easy watch, but its honesty and depth make it one worth experiencing.
