How do memories transform grief? Director Sophy Romvari offers a stunning examination of past tragedies and current reflections in “Blue Heron.” The film sees a family’s move complicated by one member’s disturbing actions. Its plot offers a fascinating mix of fictional drama and real elements from Romvari’s own life. ‘Heron’ also builds on the Canadian-Hungarian filmmaker’s documentary “Still Processing.” The short sees Romvari excavating memories via a box of old family film, negatives, and photographs. ‘Processing’ would find an audience during its run on the Criterion Channel.
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‘Heron’ is a strong feature directorial debut for Romvari. It was an official selection at the Locarno Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and the San Sebastian Film Festival. The film would go on to win the Swatch First Feature Award and the Junior Jury Award at the Locarno Film Festival, and to secure the Best Canadian Discovery Award at TIFF.
Romvari casts Eylul Guven as the young Sasha, with Amy Zimmer as the adult Sasha. This marks Guven’s big screen debut. Her skillful performance proves to be a highlight of the project, bringing subtlety to the underlying emotions. Other cast members include Iringó Réti, Edik Beddoes, Ádám Tompa, Liam Serg, Preston Drabble, Lucy Turnbull, Jecca Beauchamp, and Georgia Blake.
The film’s official synopsis:
“In the late 1990s, eight-year-old Sasha and her Hungarian immigrant family relocate to a new home on Vancouver Island. Their fresh start is interrupted by increasingly dangerous behaviour from Jeremy, the family’s oldest child.”
Explore the complexities of grief when “Blue Heron” opens on April 17 in New York City and April 24 in LA, and then a nationwide expansion in May, via Janus Films. Watch the film’s trailer below.
