Captivated by ‘Sandbag Dam’: A Deep Dive into the Film’s Impact – Eye For Film Review

The film “Sandbag Dam,” directed by Čejen Černić Čanak, tells a touching story set in a small Croatian village. The title refers to an improvised flood barrier made from sandbags, playfully called a “rabbit dam” in Croatian. However, the film is more about its characters than these materials.

At the center is Marko, played by Lav Novosel, a typical teenager involved in village life. He is a local arm-wrestler, works in his father’s mechanic shop, and shares a loving relationship with his girlfriend, Petra, portrayed by Franka Mikolaci. Marko also cares for his younger brother, Fićo, who has special needs and is passionate about raising rabbits.

Everything changes when Slaven, Marko’s former friend, returns from Berlin for his father’s funeral. Their past holds a secret that complicates Marko’s life and forces him to reconsider what it means to be true to himself.

The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and the pains of growing up. The secret between Marko and Slaven hints at deeper issues related to acceptance and self-discovery, common in stories about coming out and young love. The narrative might remind some viewers of “The Marriage” and “Call Me by Your Name” but offers a fresh perspective by focusing on teens facing the struggles of their small-town environment without the hope of wider acceptance.

Černić Čanak, known for her earlier work in children’s films, skillfully captures the emotional core of this story through thoughtful cinematography by Marko Brdar and an evocative score by Domas Strupinskas. The film balances moments of lightness with deeper, sometimes darker themes, creating an atmosphere that feels both real and intimate.