Tuesday, After Christmas

Plot

Paul, a banker in Bucharest, has been married for ten years to Adriana and they have an adored daughter Mara. The child has tooth problems which are being tended by Raluca, an attractive young orthodontist. Since first seeing her in the summer, Paul has been having a secret affair with her. But, as Christmas approaches, tensions mount. While he loves both women, Raluca tells him what he already knows: that he must choose. When he says to his wife that he is in love with Raluca, she orders him to move out and to say nothing to Mara. The round of Christmas festivities then begins, with the couple pretending outwardly that nothing is wrong. Action is postponed until the Tuesday after Christmas.

Why watch

"Tuesday, After Christmas" masterfully captures the bittersweet tension of love and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect family Christmas. With its intimate storytelling and poignant exploration of emotional dissonance, this film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of human relationships.

Talking points

• the nature of love and fidelity
• the impact of societal expectations on personal choices
• the emotional toll of infidelity
• the dynamics of family during crisis

Cultural context

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