Gracija Filipović is 2022's Rookie Of The Year.

By Lucky

Opening with an underwater dive from a soon to be revealed father and daughter, MURINA takes its time showing its hand. The upcoming hour and thirty minutes are a comprehensive examination of the two character’s relationship. Looking like the location for a Bond film, the Croatian landscape is jarring from every angle. Whether the characters are on water or land, the rumbling shoreline and rocky landscape paints a gorgeous backdrop around the pulse of the film, its before-cited examination. Julija (Gracija Filipović), the daughter, is absolutely magnetic donning her white or blue one-pieces throughout the film. The utterly gorgeous debut actress plays the character with the subtlety necessary to buy her internal conflict with her father, Ante (Leon Lucev). That being said, her character is offered the film as a canvas to showcase a little bit of everything she has in her toolbox, the beach scene being the best example of some of her versatility.

Ante’s relationship with Julija, as his relationship with others, is on the rocks. His offputting mean-spirited nature is seemingly what makes him feel comfortable in social situations, alluding to something deeper within his psyche. Ante’s industrial friend, Javier (Cliff Curtis), is invited by Ante in an attempt to sell him some land and end his time as a spearfisher. Julija states she doesn’t enjoy spearfishing, however she likes to dive and enjoys her current life seaside. The tension continues to grow throughout the film as Julija makes her own discoveries and inferences. The text is plenty deep with commentary ranging from father/daughter relationships to Croatian tourism. It is undoubtedly one our favorite narratives of this year and Gracija Filipović is the standout debut performer of the year.

MVP: One-Pieces

Best Scene: Final Spearfishing Scene

LB Rating: 4/5