Key Facts
Ivan Ostrochovský's 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At' premiered at the 60th Karlovy Vary Film Festival in July 2026. The drama, set in 1980s Czechoslovakia, tackles the state's racist program of coerced sterilization of Roma women. Despite its noble intentions, the film has been criticized for its soft-focus aesthetic and centralization of a white protagonist, which may blunt the impact of the historical atrocity.
Plot and Performances
The story follows Ingrid (Anna Geislerová), a white doctor who performs sterilizations at a hospital. She lives a privileged life with her husband Maros (Vlad Ivanov) in a beautiful countryside home. Through her friendship with Agata (Simona Boledovičová), a Roma orderly, Ingrid begins to question her role in the government's sterilization quotas. The film also explores the relationship between Agata and her sister Jula (Eva Mores), who married within the Roma community and faces pressure to have more children.
Visual Style and Direction
Cinematographer Juraj Chlpík captures the era with rich, warm tones, but the film's beauty often works against its message. The director's choice to frame the story through Ingrid's perspective has been seen as a missed opportunity to center Roma voices. The film's title becomes ironic as the audience is presented with 'only beautiful things to look at' while the ugly reality of sterilization remains at a distance.
Impact and Relevance
The sterilization policy continued into the 21st century in both the Czech and Slovak Republics, making the film's historical framing feel dated. Critics argue that the movie lacks the urgency needed to address ongoing injustices. The film's most moving moments come from the sisters' reconciliation, 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, focusing on a white female doctor's moral awakening.
Who directed 'Only Beautiful Things to Look At'?
The film is directed by Slovakian filmmaker Ivan Ostrochovský.
What are the main criticisms of the film?
Critics note that the film's beautiful cinematography and focus on a white protagonist soften the urgency of the atrocity, making it feel distant rather than immediate.
Where was the film reviewed?
The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in July 2026.