Aurora

The Estonian filmmakers Rain Tolk and Andres Maimik have based their drama film Aurora on a traditional love triangle, but they have also introduced a perspective that is unusual in secular Estonia: that of a religious community.

Aurora, the daughter of a religious leader, finds herself involved with an artist seemingly from another world. The events lead to some unusual situations on both sides. The soulful Maarja Johanna Mägi plays the lead role of Aurora. She is at the same time strongly present and absent, and her entry into another reality is expressed more through powerful glances than through dialogue or actions. The artist Lenny (Jörgen Liik), the object of Aurora’s affection, is just as captivating as Joonas, the husband waiting at home and showing ideological trust in his father-in-law, is boringly monotonous.

Although the religious community that has had – and continues to have – a powerful influence on the protagonist’s life remains in the background, the film Aurora does not suggest that it is the solution to any problems. Perhaps even the opposite, although this plotline is not emphasised. Tartu, Estonia’s true cultural capital, is shown to its best advantage in the cityscapes.

Mikko-Oskari Koski (translated by Pauliina Jännes)