Our Wildest Days (2025) by Vasilis Kekatos: A Journey of Found Family and Self-Discovery in Modern Greece
- dailyentertainment95
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Short Summary: The Road to Adulthood
A young woman's life takes an unexpected turn when she joins a group of bohemian youth on a journey through Greece. This adventure forces her to confront her past and discover a new sense of purpose and belonging.
Link to watch: https://www.filmin.es/pelicula/nuestros-dias-mas-salvajes?origin=searcher&origin-query=primary (available until 18th of August)
Detailed Summary: The Unconventional Tribe
After leaving her dysfunctional family and becoming homeless, Chloe, a 20-year-old, decides to seek out her older sister.
On her journey, she meets a group of "romantic outsiders" who live in a motorhome and travel across Greece, providing aid to those in need.
Chloe is captivated by their unconventional lifestyle and joins them, becoming a part of their makeshift family.
Her travels with the group lead to a journey of self-discovery, where she learns about compassion, love, and the sacrifices required to be a part of a community.
The film charts her transition into adulthood, where she realizes that even in rebellion and solitude, human connection is vital.
Director's Vision: The Sad and Beautiful
A "Happy and Sad" World: Director Vasilis Kekatos describes the film as a reflection of his devastated home country, presenting a world that is both sad and beautiful. He aims to capture the duality of life, where even in moments of despair, there is beauty to be found.
Music as a Character: Kekatos worked closely with composer Kostis Maraveyas to ensure the musical score was a subtle yet integral part of the film's narrative. He wanted the music to subconsciously influence the viewer's emotional state without overpowering the dialogue or visuals.
Authentic Storytelling: Having previously won a Short Film Palme d'Or and directed the popular TV series "Milky Way," Kekatos's vision is rooted in creating stories that resonate with contemporary issues, focusing on themes of identity, social justice, and the struggles of young people.
Themes: Love, Rebellion, and Belonging
Chosen Family: The film deeply explores the concept of a "chosen family," highlighting how people on the margins of society can find community and support with one another when their biological families fail them.
The Journey of Self-Discovery: At its core, the movie is a coming-of-age story. Chloe's road trip is not just a physical journey through Greece, but an emotional and psychological one, where she sheds her old identity and forges a new one.
Rebellion and Idealism: The film examines the idealism of youth and the act of rebellion against societal norms. The group's mission to help the forgotten of society is a form of rebellion, but the movie also questions whether such true rebellion can be anything but a solitary path.
Key Success Factors: A Powerful and Relatable Story
Strong, Relatable Narrative: The film's story of a young person feeling lost and seeking a sense of purpose is a universally relatable theme that can connect with a wide audience.
Emerging Talent: The film stars rising talents like Daphné Patakia, whose performance is central to the film's emotional core, alongside a cast of other promising actors.
Critical Acclaim at Festivals: As a European co-production, the film's presence and nomination at prestigious film festivals like the Berlinale showcase its artistic quality and international appeal, generating early buzz.
Awards & Nominations: A Promising Debut
The film has received a nomination for the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, in the Generation section. It has also been selected for other international festivals, including the Transilvania International Film Festival and the Cabourg Film Festival – Romantic Days.
Critics Reception: A Reflective Portrayal
Cineuropa: The site highlighted the film's poignant exploration of a "sad world that can still be beautiful," praising director Vasilis Kekatos's ability to craft a story that is both emotionally impactful and a reflection of contemporary Greece.
MUBI: The platform's synopsis of the film, which mentions Chloe realizing that "true rebels are always alone," suggests a nuanced and introspective narrative, a quality often appreciated by critics and viewers of independent cinema.
Overall Summary: Critics seem to appreciate the film's blend of a personal coming-of-age story with a broader social commentary on the state of modern society, as well as its unique and authentic directorial voice.
Reviews: A Resonant and Emotional Experience
MUBI: The film's page on the MUBI streaming service has garnered a respectable rating of 5.1, suggesting that viewers find the film engaging and thought-provoking. While not a consensus, the rating suggests an appreciation for the film's themes and execution.
Berlinale Program Notes: The description of the film from the Berlinale's official program praises the way the protagonist, Chloe, discovers new aspects of her country and herself, and learns to find a "chosen family." This highlights the film's strong emotional core and its focus on human connection.
Overall Summary: The reviews and summaries available suggest that the film is a well-received drama that connects with audiences through its emotional journey and relatable themes, despite not yet having widespread public release.
Why to recommend movie: A Glimpse into the Human Spirit
Powerful Story of Identity: The movie offers a compelling narrative about a young person's search for identity and purpose, a theme that resonates deeply with many viewers, particularly younger audiences.
Exploration of Social Issues: The film provides a window into the struggles of marginalized communities in modern Greece, offering a humane and thoughtful perspective on poverty, social alienation, and the power of collective action.
Artistic and Emotional Depth: With its critical recognition and a director known for creating visually and emotionally rich films, Our Wildest Days promises a cinematic experience that is both beautiful to watch and deeply moving.
Movie Trend: Social Realism
The film is following the trend of social realism in cinema, which focuses on portraying the lives of ordinary people in society, often highlighting social and political issues. This trend uses a naturalistic style to create an authentic and impactful viewing experience.
Social Trend: The Rise of "Chosen Family"
The film taps into the growing social trend of "chosen family," where individuals, often disconnected from their biological families, form strong bonds and support systems with friends and peers. This trend reflects a contemporary understanding of family as a concept based on love and mutual support rather than just blood ties.
Final Verdict: A Heartfelt and Relevant Masterpiece
Our Wildest Days is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that promises to be a significant work from director Vasilis Kekatos. It is a powerful and timely story of a young woman's journey to find belonging and self-worth, set against the backdrop of a modern and struggling Greece. With its strong themes, relatable characters, and a unique directorial vision, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in thoughtful, character-driven cinema that speaks to the human spirit.
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