Greek director Alexandros Avranas’ Quiet Life is a horror story disguised as an immigration drama.
Sergei, Natalia, and their two young daughters Alina and Katja, a picture perfect family at first glance, are looking for asylum in Sweden after Sergei survives a knife attack perpetrated by the agents of the Russian state. When their request is denied, Katja falls into a coma.
Avranas presents Sweden as a utopian society that puts the family through a hellish ordeal. Characters of authority are cruel and infuriating. It is not that unrealistic considering the recent rise in bigotry around the world.
The film is inspired by a New Yorker article and raises awareness on Child Resignation Syndrome, which was first observed in Sweden and has been affecting thousands of children in that country alone. It is an enlightening and satisfying watch.
