“Ida” (2013) is a stark black & white drama set in 1962 Poland that follows a young nun-to-be, Anna, and her bawdy Aunt Wanda as they search for the truth behind their family’s demise at the hands of the Nazis during World War II.
What may initially come off as something of a sleep-inducer quickly evolves into a touching and lively contrast between the two lead characters; one virtuous and pure, the other boorish and hedonistic. Their journey of discovery is equal parts amusing, insightful and heartbreaking, with Anna’s personal exploration of self playing out as a remarkably touching and humanistic affair.
Directed and co-written by Pawel Pawlikowski (My Summer of Love, Cold War) "Ida" is wonderfully transcendent experience aided immeasurably by absolutely stunning photography courtesy of cinematographers Lukasz Za and Ryszard Lenczewsk—each shot of the film serving as a luminous work of art in its own right. At just 82 minutes in length, the story moves quickly, and will invariably leave you wanting more—as the two lead characters’ final acts sit with you long after the end credits have rolled.
View the trailer: