Metronom (film)

Metronom is a 2022 Romanian drama film directed by Alexandru Belc. It marks Belc's feature film directorial debut.

The film is set in 1972, during the later years of the Ceaușescu regime in Romania. It follows a group of teenagers in Bucharest who are caught up in the political and social restrictions of the era. The central plot revolves around a letter sent to the Western radio station, Free Europe, expressing their desire to leave the country. This seemingly minor act has significant consequences for the teenagers and their families, exposing the pervasive surveillance and repression of the communist government.

The film explores themes of youth, rebellion, censorship, and the complexities of life under a totalitarian regime. It examines the moral dilemmas faced by individuals forced to navigate a system that prioritizes conformity over individual freedom. Metronom aims to depict the atmosphere of fear and suspicion that permeated Romanian society at the time, as well as the longing for freedom and a better life that many citizens harbored.

The film received critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for its authentic portrayal of the era and its nuanced exploration of the characters' experiences. It was selected as the Romanian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards.