Valerie and Her Week of Wonders

Plot

Valerie, a Czechoslovakian teenager living with her grandmother, is blossoming into womanhood, but that transformation proves secondary to the effects she experiences when she puts on a pair of magic earrings. Now seeing the world around her in a different light, Valerie must endure her sexual awakening while attempting to discern reality from fantasy as she encounters lecherous priest Gracian, a vampire-like stranger and otherworldly carnival folk.

Why watch

"Valerie and Her Week of Wonders" is a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of adolescence, where the boundaries of reality and fantasy dissolve in a kaleidoscope of surreal imagery. This film invites viewers to explore the complexities of sexual awakening and identity through a whimsical lens, making it a unique gem in the realm of avant-garde cinema.

Talking points

• the intersection of fantasy and reality
• the portrayal of female sexuality
• the influence of folklore in modern storytelling
• the impact of political context on artistic expression

Cultural context

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