"Aleksi' (2018)- A Summer of Firsts and Film Magic
Barbara Vekarić's 2018 feature-length debut, Aleksi, offers a fresh and vibrant take on the "coming-of-age" story, transplanted to the stunning sun-soaked landscapes of Croatia's Pelješac peninsula. The film follows the eponymous 28-year-old, portrayed by the magnetic Tihana Lazović, as she navigates a period of listless uncertainty after returning to her parents' vineyard home. Instead of embracing her family's expectations, Aleksi embarks on a series of impulsive relationships with three very different men, all while trying to figure out her own path in a country grappling with high youth unemployment and a tension between tradition and a desire for something more.
The Good
A Relatable and Refreshing Protagonist: A major strength of the film is its central character, Aleksi. Tihana Lazović delivers a powerful and captivating performance, bringing to life an "anti-heroine" who is both selfish and vulnerable, and unapologetically open about her sexuality. She is a millennial apathetic about her professional future and avoids responsibility, yet she is also full of a rebellious spirit and a yearning to find her own way. This nuanced portrayal of a "second coming-of-age" is something many young people today can relate to, regardless of their location.
Stunning Cinematography: The film beautifully showcases the Croatian coast. Director of photography Filip Tot uses the vivid Mediterranean color palette to his advantage, creating a visually impressive and "feel-good" atmosphere. The idyllic setting, with its green vineyards and clear blue sea, becomes both a backdrop for Aleksi's antics and a metaphorical "prison of circumstance" that she feels trapped within. Energetic and Witty Storytelling: Aleksi is a "dramedy" that skillfully balances humor and heartfelt moments. The dialogue is often sharp and witty, especially in the scenes between Aleksi and Goran (Goran Marković), which are highlighted by critics for their undeniable on-screen chemistry. The film's narrative structure, which sees Aleksi become involved with her romantic interests in reverse order, is a clever device that keeps the story engaging.The Not-So-Good
Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: While the main character is well-realized, some of the supporting characters, particularly Aleksi's other two love interests, Toni and Christian, are less developed. They are often seen as types rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, serving more as plot devices for Aleksi's self-discovery than as characters in their own right. This can make some of the romantic entanglements feel a bit shallow.
A Familiar Trope: Some critics have pointed out that the central premise—a young, apathetic adult struggling to find their way—is a familiar one in contemporary cinema, particularly in American indie films. While Aleksi brings a distinctly Croatian flavor to the story, some character archetypes and plot points may feel a bit overdone to a well-versed film viewer.
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Nominations and Wins
Aleksi has been a significant success on the international festival circuit, garnering numerous awards and screening at prestigious events worldwide. Some of its notable achievements include:
Pula Film Festival 2018: The film had its world premiere as the opening film in the national competition at Croatia's most prominent film festival.
South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival 2019: Aleksi had its North American premiere at this highly-regarded festival in Austin, Texas.
Belgrade International Film Festival (FEST) 2019: Barbara Vekarić won the Best Debut Film award.
Woods Hole Film Festival 2019: Filip Tot received the award for Best Cinematography.
United Workers Film Festival 2019: The film won Best Feature Film.
LIFFT India Filmotsav – World Cine Fest: Tihana Lazović won the Best Actress Award.
The film has reportedly won at least 15 awards at over a dozen international film festivals, including wins for Best Feature Film, Best Director (Vekarić), and multiple Best Actress awards for Tihana Lazović.
Is It a Success in Croatian Film History?
Yes, Aleksi can be considered a success in Croatian film history, particularly for its refreshing style and its impact on the international stage. It stands out from a lot of contemporary Croatian cinema, which is often focused on social dramas. Vekarić consciously set out to make a more "feel-good" movie, and in doing so, she created a film that resonated with audiences and critics globally. Its success is not necessarily measured by a massive domestic box office but by its critical reception and its extensive tour of international festivals. The film's numerous awards and screenings in countries around the world brought positive attention to Croatian cinema and demonstrated that a "dramedy" with a local setting could have universal appeal. Aleksi helped to cement Barbara Vekarić as a promising new voice in filmmaking and further showcased Tihana Lazović's talent as one of Croatia's leading actresses.
A Personal note
Working on "Aleksi," Barbara Vekarić's 2018 Croatian feature film, was an experience that truly shaped my understanding of filmmaking. As part of the production team at Studio Dim, under the guidance of executive producers Darija Kulenovič, Marina Andre Škop, and Danijela Kulenović, I found myself immersed in the world of cinema, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Pelješac. It was a glorious summer, with the Croatian coast at its most stunning. Our primary filming locations—the sun-drenched vineyards and a charming village house—provided the perfect canvas for the story. The weather was consistently amazing, adding to the almost dreamlike atmosphere of the shoot. One of the first things that struck me, and truly left me stunned, was watching our Director of Photography, Filip Tot, at work. His approach was distinctly Italian in style, elegant and precise. He moved with such grace and brilliance; it was clear from the outset that he was a master of his craft. His visual sensibility instantly set a high bar for me. Our director, Barbara Vekarić, was notably more distant, perhaps due to the pressures of it being her debut feature. While she was undoubtedly under stress, and less connected to the crew and actors, I've always believed that the energy among people on set is paramount. Despite the director's reserved nature, the overall atmosphere was surprisingly cool and vibrant, largely thanks to our incredible lead, Tihana Lazović.
Tihana is a force of nature—so energetic, sometimes with a wonderfully confusing yet undeniably sexy and original presence. She truly brought a unique spark to the set, and her spirit was infectious. My own role in the production was modest, yet incredibly memorable. I even got to step in as a stuntman for a few scenes, which was an unexpected thrill! Beyond my specific duties, I spent a lot of time with the legendary Aljoša Vučković, an old star from former Yugoslavia. We quickly bonded over mutual acquaintances from Zagreb, and he genuinely took a liking to me. While he could sometimes be a bit much in his pursuit of attention, our conversations were always fun and filled with laughter. On the flip side, I didn't connect as much with actor Nataša Janjić. Her off-screen demeanor felt a bit like a "diva," which unfortunately detracted from the collaborative spirit. This was perhaps most evident at the Pula Film Festival premiere, where her tardiness caused significant delays, much to the frustration of the main cast, particularly Tihana. Given Nataša's smaller role, the focus really should have remained on Tihana Lazović, the heart of our film. Despite some of these personal observations, being part of a feature film for the first time was an absolutely amazing experience, especially attending the premiere at the Pula Film Festival. It was a hands-on education in the intricacies of production and direction. I was already making small documentary films and series with Studio Dim, and they've expressed a consistent desire for me to remain a part of their team, recognizing my passion and understanding of film and music. "Aleksi" itself? It was an "okay" film. The reviews were mixed—some positive, some not so great—but from my vantage point, it was a perfectly fine cinematic offering. More than anything, it was an invaluable learning experience. Immediately after "Aleksi," I moved on to another feature film, where my deeper understanding of production and direction truly began to click. This first foray into the world of feature films laid a solid foundation for everything that followed.
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