Transgressing

“This is what short medium dramas should aspire to be...”

A hardworking insecure girl from a family fallen into poverty is forced to make an irreversible sacrifice to save her family, and her dreams of continuing education.

Hard hitting, powerful, shocking and gripping. That’s what you’ll find in director Alessandro Repetti’s sensational drama ‘Transgressing’. It’s a film with a lot to say but does it without spelling it out. It lets you fall deeper into the story and really connect with the characters. Writer Enni Read doesn’t overstate the use of dialogue in the film and cleverly allows for the actors to fill in the gaps of the story. It adds a level of detail only experienced writers would consider. This is what short medium dramas should aspire to be. It’s always refreshing to be taken by surprise and this will do just that. Simply outstanding!

Whilst the overall concept of the story has been attempted in various ways before, it doesn’t take away the impact that the film will leave on you. Repetti’s clear vision and direction is executed with all the trade marks of an experienced filmmaker. The decision to include the scenes of inner turmoil within the lead character Sonia as she sacrifices her dreams of the future, really sets this film apart and adds so much more drama to an already superb story.

We’re given an intimate look into the life of the characters, namely Sonia played by the excellent Hannah Saxby who carries herself with confidence and poise. Yet at the same time there is an immense sadness and innocence as she tries to support her family as best she can. Saxby keeps her emotions just below the surface and understands the subject matter clearly, delivering one of the best performances we’ve seen. Lindsay Bennett-Thompson as Katherine also shines, who manages to create genuine empathy for a character you might judge too quickly at the beginning of the film. She is the perfect contrast to Saxby and both have great chemistry in their scenes together.

As for the production itself, this story was clearly put in the right hands. Director of photography Yana Rits captures the film beautifully and injects plenty of flare to make the production quality a high standard. We can’t fault this is any way, it shows great promise for this talented cinematographer. The framing, lighting, art direction, colour grade. Everything was working in sync to make this film stand out. The edit from Kamil Dobrosielski has a subtle pace that lets you focus on the performances and doesn’t intrude. The same can be said of the utterly beautiful score by Yoann Mylonakis that elevates the performances and viewing experience dramatically.

All in all, this is simply a must watch. It will captivate audiences and draw them in, this is what happens when a group of immensely passionate and experienced filmmakers with a great story, get together and make a film…

— APEX Film Awards