Ida
dir. Paweł Pawlikowski · 2013
Feature
Identity Crisis
Mood
Contemplative / Melancholic
Look
monochromatic, painterly compositions with a focus on natural light
Structure
linear progression with flashbacks to reveal backstory
Plot
Poland, 1962. Anna, an orphan brought up by nuns in the convent, is a novice. She has to see Wanda, the only living relative, before she takes her vows. Wanda tells Anna about her Jewish roots. Both women start a journey not only to find their family's tragic story, but to see who they really are and where they belong. They question what they used to believe in.
Why watch
Anna, a novice in a convent, is thrust into a world of painful truths when she meets her estranged aunt Wanda, who reveals their shared Jewish heritage. As they embark on a journey through Poland's haunting landscapes, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, belonging, and the shadows of history that shape us.
Talking points
- the search for identity in a fractured society
- the impact of family history on personal identity
- the role of faith in self-discovery
- the intersection of personal and national trauma
Cultural context
post-war Polish identityJewish heritage in Eastern Europethe impact of communism on personal livesthe role of religion in self-discovery