Film Review: Sasha (Saša)

Germany – eastart pictures

Rating: *****

Sasha (Saša Kekz) is a young man and budding pianist belonging to a Montenegrin family living in Cologne, Germany. But Sasha has a problem; he’s coming to terms with his own sexuality and has also developed a massive crush on Gabhard Webber (Tim Bergmann), his piano teacher. With his audition for a conservatoire on the horizon, Gebhard announces that he will be moving to Vienna, leaving Sasha heartbroken.

Sasha must cope with the highly dysfunctional dynamics of a family defined by their foreign identity in the eyes of those around them, desperately clinging onto traditional values. Meanwhile, his faux-girlfriend and fellow aspiring musician Jiao (Yvonne Hung Lee) tries hard to support Sasha’s coming-out despite having her own feelings for him. Can he win the man of his dreams, forge a career as an artist, and deal with a family tearing itself apart?

The film is a stunning debut for director Dennis Todorovic, striking a balance between being an acute and well-observed portrayal of coming-out, and heart-warmingly hilarious. What makes it a cut above other coming-out films is the well-rounded depth of its narrative: as well as showing how they are affected by Sasha’s trials and tribulations, it examines each supporting character’s own journey of self-fulfilment as well.

Todorovic’s writing is extremely impressive. He manages to pair a very natural sense of irony and black comedy with a keen realism, and his humour feels effortless and unforced.  There are plenty of adorable nuances that add delightful ornamenation to the bittersweet tone: even in moments of emotional devastation, or in the throngs of high-drama, Todorovic still finds some small detail or action that will raise more than a titter from the audience.

Each character is superbly played. Their portrayal of the dynamics of their myriad relationships is astute, and the entire cast have convincing on-screen chemistry. Special mention must go to Ljubisa Lupo Grujcic, who plays Uncle Pero. His over-enthusiastic ‘wide-eyed caught in the city lights’ charm and endearingly oblivious disposition help create some inspired comedic moments. Kekz’s portrayal of a troubled adolescent in all his awkward and clumsy glory is spot on, managing to communicate a host of emotions and internal struggles that many of us have gone through ourselves when coming out.

Add to this some brilliant direction, slick and alluring cinematography from Andreas Köhler and a sympathetic and charming score from Peter Aufderhaar, and you have a blissfully funny, intelligent, and touching film that is impossible to believe is Todorovic’s first. Absolutely unmissable and faultless, Sasha cannot be recommended enough.