DIRECTOR: Nemanja Becanovic
STARRING: Bojan Zirovic, Branimir Popovic
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 15 minutes
LANGUAGE: Serbian
The supermarket closes its doors, the buyers leave the place step by step and the shiny and colourful corridors remain quiet and alone, with no one to seduce. No one? A man is hiding out, appearing when everyone is gone, making this flashy landscape his kingdom. He enjoys the products on offer, samples various flavours and makes himself at home, but gradually begins to suspect he is being watched.
***
Supermarket is the second feature film for director Nemanja Becanovic after The Ascent. This is the first time that Becanovic will be representing Montenegro for the Oscars. The film made its worldwide debut at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2023.
The feature film Supermarket will be the Montenegrin candidate for the 97th Oscars in the International Film Award category in 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) announced on September 20th. The announcement adds that the decision was unanimously made by the MKM Selection Commission, composed of Marija Perovic, Edin Jasarovic, Ivan Durovic, Zana Gardasevic-Bulatovic, Radoslav T. Stanisic, Aleksandar Vujovic and Gabriel Camaj. Supermarket beat out one other film: Alive and Healthy.
The film is produced by VHS Production.
Supermarket is a comedic drama and it was filmed in Podgorica, Montenegro.
To check out all previous submissions for Montenegro, click HERE.
STARRING: Bojan Zirovic, Branimir Popovic
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 15 minutes
LANGUAGE: Serbian
The supermarket closes its doors, the buyers leave the place step by step and the shiny and colourful corridors remain quiet and alone, with no one to seduce. No one? A man is hiding out, appearing when everyone is gone, making this flashy landscape his kingdom. He enjoys the products on offer, samples various flavours and makes himself at home, but gradually begins to suspect he is being watched.
***
Supermarket is the second feature film for director Nemanja Becanovic after The Ascent. This is the first time that Becanovic will be representing Montenegro for the Oscars. The film made its worldwide debut at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in November 2023.
The feature film Supermarket will be the Montenegrin candidate for the 97th Oscars in the International Film Award category in 2024, the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) announced on September 20th. The announcement adds that the decision was unanimously made by the MKM Selection Commission, composed of Marija Perovic, Edin Jasarovic, Ivan Durovic, Zana Gardasevic-Bulatovic, Radoslav T. Stanisic, Aleksandar Vujovic and Gabriel Camaj. Supermarket beat out one other film: Alive and Healthy.
The film is produced by VHS Production.
Supermarket is a comedic drama and it was filmed in Podgorica, Montenegro.
To check out all previous submissions for Montenegro, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“It’s unrealistic that we’ve been here so long without being discovered.”
Supermarket, the latest film by Montenegrin director Nemanja Bečanović, is a refreshingly original and thought-provoking entry in the world of experimental cinema. This psychological comedy, set entirely within the confines of a local supermarket, follows Robert, a reclusive man who has made this retail space his home. As the doors close each night, Robert embarks on an oddly ritualistic routine, where he samples products, meticulously puts them back, and even sets the table for himself and his mannequin "girlfriend." The film quickly captivates with its blend of humor, tension, and introspection, offering a quirky, yet intimate exploration of loneliness and human routine.
One of the film's strongest features is its ability to immerse viewers into Robert's strange world. From the moment the supermarket closes, the aisles transform into his private kingdom, and the atmosphere is quietly eerie yet playful. The precision of Robert's habits, from moisturizing his entire body to his peculiar dining set-up, creates a compelling portrait of a man grappling with obsessive tendencies. Bojan Žirović shines in the lead role, effortlessly capturing the character's eccentricity and vulnerability, turning his silent actions into a narrative all their own.
The introduction of a second Robert, played by Branimir Popović, injects a delightful twist into the story. Their friendship is built on a foundation of shared isolation, but there's an underlying tension that keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of Robert number two. The interactions between the two characters are both humorous and unsettling, offering a fascinating look at how people might connect in the strangest of circumstances. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they manage to keep the tone light while adding depth to the film's psychological undercurrents.
One of the standout elements of Supermarket is its atmospheric score, which plays an essential role in setting the mood. The soundtrack, blending high-pitched tones and synthwave beats, elevates the film to new heights. It perfectly complements Robert's movements, especially in a particularly memorable sequence where he performs a mime-like routine through the aisles. The music heightens the surreal nature of the film and keeps the tension alive, even during the quieter moments. The score not only adds to the film’s uniqueness but also underscores its emotional beats with elegance and style.
Despite its minimalistic approach, Supermarket leaves a lasting impression. Its experimental structure, humorous take on solitude, and carefully constructed atmosphere make it a standout piece of cinema. While some narrative threads remain unresolved, this ambiguity feels intentional, allowing viewers to interpret Robert’s story in their own way. The film is a testament to how creativity and simplicity can result in something powerful, and Supermarket proves that even with a limited budget and setting, a film can be both entertaining and deeply insightful.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“It’s unrealistic that we’ve been here so long without being discovered.”
Supermarket, the latest film by Montenegrin director Nemanja Bečanović, is a refreshingly original and thought-provoking entry in the world of experimental cinema. This psychological comedy, set entirely within the confines of a local supermarket, follows Robert, a reclusive man who has made this retail space his home. As the doors close each night, Robert embarks on an oddly ritualistic routine, where he samples products, meticulously puts them back, and even sets the table for himself and his mannequin "girlfriend." The film quickly captivates with its blend of humor, tension, and introspection, offering a quirky, yet intimate exploration of loneliness and human routine.
One of the film's strongest features is its ability to immerse viewers into Robert's strange world. From the moment the supermarket closes, the aisles transform into his private kingdom, and the atmosphere is quietly eerie yet playful. The precision of Robert's habits, from moisturizing his entire body to his peculiar dining set-up, creates a compelling portrait of a man grappling with obsessive tendencies. Bojan Žirović shines in the lead role, effortlessly capturing the character's eccentricity and vulnerability, turning his silent actions into a narrative all their own.
The introduction of a second Robert, played by Branimir Popović, injects a delightful twist into the story. Their friendship is built on a foundation of shared isolation, but there's an underlying tension that keeps the audience guessing about the true nature of Robert number two. The interactions between the two characters are both humorous and unsettling, offering a fascinating look at how people might connect in the strangest of circumstances. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they manage to keep the tone light while adding depth to the film's psychological undercurrents.
One of the standout elements of Supermarket is its atmospheric score, which plays an essential role in setting the mood. The soundtrack, blending high-pitched tones and synthwave beats, elevates the film to new heights. It perfectly complements Robert's movements, especially in a particularly memorable sequence where he performs a mime-like routine through the aisles. The music heightens the surreal nature of the film and keeps the tension alive, even during the quieter moments. The score not only adds to the film’s uniqueness but also underscores its emotional beats with elegance and style.
Despite its minimalistic approach, Supermarket leaves a lasting impression. Its experimental structure, humorous take on solitude, and carefully constructed atmosphere make it a standout piece of cinema. While some narrative threads remain unresolved, this ambiguity feels intentional, allowing viewers to interpret Robert’s story in their own way. The film is a testament to how creativity and simplicity can result in something powerful, and Supermarket proves that even with a limited budget and setting, a film can be both entertaining and deeply insightful.
