PRETENDERS

Pretenders

Year 2016
Runtime 100 mins
Language Estonian

A tantalizing blend of film genres that depicts relationships with brutal honesty layered with a touch of Michael Haneke’s FUNNY GAMES.

Anna (Mirtel Pohla) and Juhan (Priit Võigemast) house-sit their wealthy friends’ seaside house and plan to use this retreat to mend their relationship. One day, they witness an accident on the beach and help the couple involved, Triin (Mari Abel), and Erik (Meelis Rämmeld), by bringing them back to the house for some first aid. Triin and Erik are uncomfortable in the rich house which they believe is Anna and Juhan’s. Anna doesn’t tell the truth and eases into her role as the house’s owner. This act threatens to shatter her relationship with Juhan but also sets in motion a dangerous game of domination between the couples.

PRETENDERS is a tantalizing blend of film genres that depicts relationships with brutal honesty akin to that of Maren Ade’s EVERYONE ELSE while layering the work with a touch of Michael Haneke’s FUNNY GAMES.

Awards
Lithuanian Film Awards, Silver Crane
Festivals
San Sebastian Film Festival, Riga International Film Festival, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
Director
Vallo Toomla
Producer
Riina Sildos
Screenwriter
Livia Ulman, Andris Feldmanis
Cinematographer
Erik Põllumaa
Editor
Danielius Kokanauskis
Music
Karlis Auzans
Cast
Mirtel Pohla, Priit Võigemast, Mari Abel, Meelis Rämmeld