Key Facts
Ivan Ostrochovský's 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At' premiered at the 60th Karlovy Vary Film Festival in July 2026. The drama exposes the Czechoslovakian government's racist program of forced sterilization of Roma women, a practice that continued into the 21st century in both the Czech and Slovak Republics. The film stars Anna Geislerová as Ingrid, a white doctor who performs sterilizations, and Simona Boledovičová as Agata, a Roma orderly.
Plot and Setting
Set in 1980s Czechoslovakia, the film opens with a montage of young Roma women being lectured about family planning, with an off-screen voice stating, 'Sterilization allows Gypsy women to improve their family’s quality of life.' The story then shifts to Ingrid, who is passed over for a promotion and lives a comfortable life with her husband Maros (Vlad Ivanov) in a beautiful countryside home. Through her friendship with Agata, Ingrid begins to question the sterilizations she performs to meet government quotas.
Performances and Direction
Anna Geislerová delivers a nuanced performance as Ingrid, while Simona Boledovičová shines as Agata, whose personal story of separation from her sister Jula (Eva Mores) adds depth. The film is co-written by Ostrochovský and Marek Leščák, with cinematography by Juraj Chlpík that captures both the beauty of Ingrid's world and the grim reality of the Roma community.
Critical Reception
Reviewer Jessica Kiang praises the film's intentions but criticizes its 'old-school, soft-focus approach' that 'robs a vital edge of urgency.' The decision to center a white protagonist is seen as a flaw, as it 'allows viewers to consign the cruelties to some imaginary distant past.' The film's aesthetic beauty, while visually appealing, undermines the harshness of the subject matter.
Impact and Relevance
The forced sterilization of Roma women is a historical atrocity that remains relevant today. The film aims to put faces to the statistics, but its focus on Ingrid's moral awakening rather than the Roma women's experiences may limit its impact. The most moving moments involve the sisters Agata and Jula, hinting at a more powerful story left untold.
FAQ
What is the film 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At' about?
The film exposes the Czechoslovakian government's program of forced sterilization of Roma women in the 1980s, following a white female doctor who begins to question her role.
Who directed 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At'?
The film is directed by Slovakian filmmaker Ivan Ostrochovský.
When was the film reviewed?
The review was published on July 11, 2026, after its premiere at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
What is the main criticism of the film?
The film is criticized for centering on a white protagonist, which distances viewers from the Roma women's experiences, and for its soft-focus aesthetic that softens the atrocity.