Dark Deer, The

A group of German-speaking tourists arrive at a country estate for a deer hunt. 17-year-old Ria cannot reconcile herself to the fact that her father Alf earns a living in this way, and she tries to prevent the event from taking place. The shooting party includes Augusts, who left Latvia several years before and settled abroad, where he lives in a childless marriage. His arrival opens up oppressive family issues from the past (car accident and subsequent mental breakdown of the mother), which sensitive Ria deals with in a somewhat resolute manner, convinced in her young mind that she has acted correctly. The Dark Deer is based on the play of the same name by respected writer Inga Ābele, whose work is compared to the dramas of Tennessee Williams. Director Viesturs Kairišs has turned the dramatic text into a successful film adaptation in which he draws on the peculiar charm of the deer farm and the capable performances of all the leading actors. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)