In Zuzana Kirchnerová’s CARAVAN, Ester spends the summer in Italy with her teenage son David, who has Down syndrome and autism, and free spirited Zuza, who quickly clicks with David and eases Ester’s burden for a period.
It is inspired by Kirchnerová’s own life. She has a son with similar conditions, but the film is not autobiographical. The performances here tower over everything else. Anna Geislerová, Juliana Oľhová, and neurodivergent actor David Vostrčil, who brings his own experiences to the film, are all exceptional.
The handheld camera and its shifting focus are used effectually to mirror the instability and the turmoil Ester faces every day. The script does not have any big surprises in store, but Caravan is a skillfully constructed drama that will connect with many.
