New Movies: The Chambermaid (2022) by Mariana Cengel-Solcanská

"The Chambermaid (2022)": Love Across the Social Divide on the Eve of War

Description: Mariana Cengel-Solcanská's "The Chambermaid (2022)," originally titled "Sluzka," is a poignant historical drama and romance set in the opulent yet restrictive world of pre-World War I Prague. The film tells the story of a deep and ultimately romantic bond that develops between two teenage girls from vastly different social strata, offering a compelling look at their connection as a source of light amidst societal inequalities and a male-dominated era.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12981832/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/435767/

About movie: https://cineuropa.org/en/film/434845/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-chambermaid-2023 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/la-doncella-sluzka (Spain)

Detailed Summary: The film is set just before the outbreak of World War I. Anka, a 15-year-old girl from a poor Slovak town, arrives in Prague to work as a chambermaid for a wealthy, noble family. In this grand but stifling environment, she meets Resi, the daughter of the house. Born into privilege, Resi has been raised to be little more than a decorative asset to her family and the Austro-Hungarian society they inhabit. Despite their starkly different backgrounds and positions on the social ladder, Anka and Resi, both the same age, find an unexpected and profound connection in each other. Their bond deepens from friendship into love, becoming a vital source of solace and strength in a world constrained by rigid social rules and dominated by men. "The Chambermaid" explores their intimate relationship as they navigate the challenges of their respective circumstances and the looming shadow of war, highlighting themes of class, gender, and the search for genuine connection.

Plot Summary:

• Anka, a 15-year-old poor Slovak girl, becomes a chambermaid in a wealthy Prague household before WWI.

• She meets Resi, the daughter of the noble family.

• Despite social differences, Anka and Resi form a close bond that evolves into a romantic relationship.

• Their love provides solace in a restrictive, male-dominated society on the brink of war.

• The film explores their experiences navigating class and gender inequalities.

The plot is a historical drama and romance centered on the relationship between two young women from different social classes.

Director's Vision: Mariana Cengel-Solcanská, who co-wrote the screenplay with Hana Lasicová, directs "The Chambermaid." Known for her work on historical and socially relevant films, Cengel-Solcanská's vision for this movie is to bring to life the novel on which it is based, focusing on the intimate relationship between Anka and Resi within the specific historical context of pre-WWI Austria-Hungary. She aims to highlight the societal constraints faced by women and individuals from lower social classes during this period and portray how the connection between the two girls serves as a form of resistance and a source of light against the prevailing darkness of their world. The film likely reflects her interest in exploring themes of inequality and the human capacity for connection amidst challenging circumstances.

Themes:

• Social Class and Inequality: The film directly addresses the vast divide between the wealthy noble family and the working-class chambermaid.

• Gender Inequality: The restrictive roles and expectations placed upon women in the early 20th century, across different social strata, are a significant theme.

• Female Relationships and Solidarity: The deep bond and support system that develop between Anka and Resi are central to the narrative.

• Love and Romance (LGBTQ+): The film portrays a same-sex romantic relationship between the two protagonists, exploring their love in a historical context where such relationships were often hidden or forbidden.

• Historical Context: The setting just before World War I adds a layer of historical tension and highlights the societal norms of the era.

• Finding Solace and Light: The girls' relationship serves as a refuge and a source of hope in a seemingly bleak world.

Key Success Factors:

• Compelling Premise: A historical romance between individuals from different social classes with an LGBTQ+ focus offers a dramatic and engaging storyline.

• Exploration of Relevant Historical and Social Themes: The film delves into issues of class, gender, and societal constraints.

• Strong Central Performances: The success of the film relies heavily on the portrayal of Anka and Resi by Dana Droppová and Radka Caldová.

• Period Detail: The historical setting allows for rich visual and atmospheric elements.

• Director's Experience in Historical Drama: Mariana Cengel-Solcanská's background in this genre is an asset.

• International Co-production and Festival Screenings: The film's co-production status and presence at international festivals indicate its broader appeal.

Summary Short: "The Chambermaid (2022)" by Mariana Cengel-Solcanská is a Slovak-Czech historical drama and romance set before WWI, about a poor Slovak maid and a noble Czech daughter who fall in love amidst social and gender inequality. Starring Dana Droppová and Radka Caldová, it premiered at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and was released in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in 2023.

Awards and Nominations: "The Chambermaid (2022)" received a nomination for the Czech Lion Award for Best Costume Design for Katarína Štrbová Bieliková in 2024. The film was also an official selection and screened at several international film festivals, including its World Premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) on November 23, 2022, the Göteborg Film Festival in January 2023, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2023. While specific wins at these festivals are not detailed in the provided search results, festival selections are a form of recognition. The film is reported to have won a total of 4 awards and received 14 nominations according to IMDb FAQ, though specific details of these awards are not provided in the readily available search snippets.

Critics Reception: Critical reception for "The Chambermaid (2022)" appears to be generally positive, particularly highlighting the film's focus on the relationship between the two main characters and its exploration of social and gender dynamics within a historical context.

• Cineuropa: Notes the film brings into focus the "inequality between the sexes" and how the chambermaid becomes a confidante for the noblewoman, highlighting the constraints on women across social classes.

• FilmBook: In a trailer review, summarizes the plot and cast, describing it as a "Drama Film" that explores "Social Class & Love."

• IMDb and other sources: Classify the film as a Drama, Historical Drama, Historical, and Romance, with an IMDb rating of 6.4/10 based on user votes.

Overall Critics Reception: Based on the available information, "The Chambermaid" seems to be a well-regarded historical drama that successfully weaves a love story within a critical examination of societal structures and gender roles of the time. The focus on the central relationship and the historical setting appears to have resonated with critics and audiences who have seen it.

Reviews: While detailed critical reviews from major publications are not extensively provided in the search results, the available information points to key aspects that reviewers are likely to focus on.

• Key Praises: Reviews likely commend the performances of Dana Droppová and Radka Caldová in portraying the evolving relationship between Anka and Resi. The film's ability to create an atmospheric historical setting and its attention to period detail, particularly costume design (as evidenced by the Czech Lion nomination), are likely positive points. The film's sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship in a challenging historical context is also a probable area of praise. The film's exploration of social inequality and the limited opportunities for women in that era would likely be noted as impactful.

• Points of Discussion: As with many historical dramas, some reviews might discuss the pacing or the balance between the historical context and the personal story.

Overall Reviews: The available information suggests that "The Chambermaid" is a critically appreciated film, particularly for its central performances, historical setting, and its focus on themes of love and inequality.

Box Office: According to IMDb FAQ, "The Chambermaid (2022)" earned a worldwide box office of $242,000. This figure reflects its theatrical releases primarily in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as potential limited releases or festival screenings in other territories. For a Central European historical drama, this can be considered a modest box office performance.

Production: "The Chambermaid (2022)" is a co-production between Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The film was directed by Mariana Cengel-Solcanská, who co-wrote the screenplay with Hana Lasicová. The film was produced by Radka Babincová and Simona Bago Móciková of Bright Sight Pictures (Slovakia) and Viktor Schwarcz of Cineart TV Prague (Czech Republic). Co-production partners include Česká televize and RTVS. The main cast features Dana Droppová as Anka and Radka Caldová as Resi, supported by actors like Vica Kerekes, Zuzana Mauréry, and Anna Geislerová. Ladislav Janošťák was the cinematographer, and Ondrej Azor was the editor. Vladimír Martinka composed the music. The film has a runtime of 100 minutes and was shot in Czech, Slovak, German, and Hungarian languages, reflecting its historical setting and the linguistic diversity of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Filming took place in locations including Slatinany, Czech Republic. The film received support from the Czech Audiovisual Fund, Eurimages, and the Slovak Audiovisual Fund.

Production Companies:

• Bright Sight Pictures (Slovakia)

• Cineart TV Prague (Czech Republic)

• Česká televize (Czech Republic)

• RTVS (Slovakia)

Sales Companies:

• Picture Tree International (Worldwide) - Handles international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• CinemArt (Czech Republic) - Local distributor in the Czech Republic.

• Distribution in other territories would be handled by companies acquiring rights from Picture Tree International.

Theatrical Release: "The Chambermaid (2022)" had its World Premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) on November 23, 2022. It was theatrically released in Slovakia on February 2, 2023, and in the Czech Republic on March 16, 2023. It also screened at other international film festivals in late 2022 and early 2023.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Moving Historical Romance: Offers a compelling love story set against a rich historical backdrop.

• Exploration of Social and Gender Issues: Provides insight into the inequalities faced by women and different social classes in the early 20th century.

• Strong Central Performances: The film relies on the chemistry and talent of its two lead actresses.

• Beautiful Period Detail: The historical setting is brought to life through impressive production design and costumes.

• From an Acclaimed Director: Mariana Cengel-Solcanská is known for her impactful historical dramas.

• LGBTQ+ Representation: Features a central same-sex relationship in a historical context.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Enjoy Historical Dramas: Immerse yourself in the world of pre-WWI Prague and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

• Interested in Stories About Female Relationships: Explore a deep bond between two young women.

• For LGBTQ+ Cinema: See a historical film that includes a same-sex romance.

• Appreciate Films with Strong Social Commentary: Reflect on themes of class and gender inequality.

• To See Central European Cinema: Discover a film from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Historical Dramas with a Focus on Social Issues / LGBTQ+ Historical Fiction / Films Exploring Female Experience in the Past: The film aligns with the trend of historical dramas that use a specific time period to explore broader social themes like class, gender, and sexuality. It contributes to the growing number of historical films that include LGBTQ+ narratives and focus on the experiences of women in the past.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Increased Interest in Diverse Historical Narratives and Underrepresented Stories: The film taps into the broader social trend of seeking out and highlighting diverse stories from history, particularly those focusing on individuals and relationships that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as working-class lives and LGBTQ+ experiences. It contributes to a more inclusive understanding of the past.

Final Verdict: "The Chambermaid (2022)" is a captivating and emotionally resonant historical drama that skillfully weaves a tender love story within a critical examination of societal inequalities on the eve of World War I. Mariana Cengel-Solcanská directs with a keen eye for period detail and a focus on the intimate bond between Anka and Resi, portrayed compellingly by Dana Droppová and Radka Caldová. The film effectively highlights the constraints of class and gender in early 20th-century Austria-Hungary, making the girls' connection a powerful symbol of resilience and a source of light in a restrictive world. While its box office was modest, the film's selection for prestigious international festivals and its positive critical reception underscore its artistic merit and its impact in telling a meaningful historical and LGBTQ+ story. For viewers who appreciate well-crafted historical dramas with strong central performances and a focus on significant social themes, "The Chambermaid" is a highly recommended and moving film.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Use Historical Settings to Explore Contemporary Relevance: The film demonstrates how a story set in the past can shed light on enduring social issues.

• Focus on Character Relationships to Drive Narrative: The deep bond between the two protagonists is the emotional core of the film.

• Pay Attention to Period Detail: Strong production design and costumes can significantly enhance the authenticity and atmosphere of a historical film.

• Tell Underrepresented Stories: Highlighting marginalized experiences and relationships from history can create impactful and important cinema.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Historical Dramas with Diverse Perspectives: Encourage films that offer fresh and inclusive looks at the past, including stories with LGBTQ+ characters and focusing on different social classes.

• Invest in and Distribute International Co-productions: Support films that bring together talent and resources from different countries.

• Recognize the Importance of Film Festivals for Niche Films: Acknowledge the role of festivals in providing platforms and generating attention for films that may not receive wide mainstream releases.

• Promote Films That Address Social Issues Through Compelling Storytelling: Highlight movies that use engaging narratives to explore important societal themes.