A mother’s love knows no bounds in this confronting tale of loyalty, love and devotion. Cornelia Kerenes (Luminita Gheorghiu) enjoys the many comforts that life affords her among the elite of Romanian society. But in the middle of an opera performance, she is informed that her only son, Barbu (Bogdan Dumitrache), has caused an accident resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy.
Cornelia immediately launches into action, attempting to use her influence to control the situation and save Barbu from possible criminal charges. It seems she will do whatever it takes to clear her son’s name; she is ruthless in her search for loopholes that could work in her favour.
The historical tight hold that Cornelia had over her son has been challenged by his demand for some distance between them, and her initial approach to the devastating accident provides her with an opportunity to reclaim the position with which she is comfortable. However, plans to infiltrate Barbu’s life through his girlfriend, Carmen (Ilinca Goia), fall short and Cornelia is forced to delve beyond the workings of her mind and wallet to make a real difference.
The heart of Child’s Pose lies in the exchange between Cornelia, Carmen and the parents of the deceased boy. In a world where someone has to pay, there are no winners in the face of this raw injustice. No amount of money can change the truth and tragedy of so great a loss for these broken souls who need time to grieve, heal and adjust.
This riveting film delivers a strong message that only in forgiveness and the courage of the human spirit to surrender to a connection beyond right and wrong will true justice prevail and provide a hopeful future for all concerned.
Director Calin Peter Netzer took out the Golden Bear for Best Film at this year’s Berlin Film Festival for this intricate look at a series of complicated issues underpinning these families in crisis.
© Patricia Herreen 2013