Collective

Collective is a gripping, provocative 2019 documentary from Romanian filmmaker Alexander Nanau, featuring Dan Alexandru Condrea, Liviu Iolu, and Razvan Lutac. It discusses the unfortunate events surrounding the 2015 Colectiv nightclub fire in Bucharest, which claimed the lives of 27 people during the incident and dozens more due to inadequate hospital care. While the film is about this tragic incident, it offers a much larger narrative around political corruption, systemic failures, investigative journalism, and the courage of everyday citizens.

The film begins by painting a vivid picture of the fire at the Colectiv nightclub that eventually led to a national outcry. However, Collective is not primarily concerned with the fire itself. Instead, it sets its gaze upon the aftermath of the catastrophe – the shockwaves that it sent through the Romanian healthcare system and the associated authority figures.

What begins as an investigative look into the fire soon morphs into a damning indictment of the state's healthcare system. This perception was exacerbated after an additional 37 burn victims, who seemed likely to recover, died due to fatal infections caught within the walls of the hospitals to which they were admitted.

The narrative is expertly guided through the eyes of Catalin Tolontan, a tenacious sports editor from the daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor. He believes that these deaths weren't simply due to severe burns but exposes a more sinister cause: bacteria in the host hospitals due to the diluted disinfectants sold to the hospitals by a well-known pharmaceutical company Hexi Pharma. Tolontan and his team's dogged commitment to unveiling the truth forms the core of Collective's narrative. It’s not just a newspaper investigation, but an exploration of journalism's power and the necessity of a press that refuses to be stifled.

As the film progresses, it digs deeper into governmental corruption, exposing a calamitous web of deceit and callous disregard for human life in the pursuit of profit. Collective extends its narrative scope further when Vlad Voiculescu, a patient rights activist, steps in as the Minister of Health. With his appointment, the audience is offered an inside look at the government's mechanisms. However, rather than bringing relief, this transparency only further reveals the extent of the dysfunction.

Collective presents these narratives with a type of heart-wrenching realism. The delivery is incredibly authentic and visceral, adding to the power of the film. Moreover, the filmmaker does an excellent job maintaining narrative tension, with the documentary unfolding like a thriller, making it an incredibly engaging watch.

In dealing with the difficult themes of corruption and systemic failure, Collective not only exposes the grotesque underbelly of bureaucracy and healthcare in Romania but effectively highlights the bravery of individuals who are unafraid to demand accountability despite hostile opposition. It shows journalism's power, the corruption of power, and its devastating effects on innocent lives.

Notably, each participant, from the journalists to the whistleblowers and victims' families, brings a unique perspective, adding depth and nuance to the narrative. Dan Alexandru Condrea, Liviu Iolu, and Razvan Lutac shine in this real-life drama that unfolds with all the essential elements of courage, integrity, and resilience.

In terms of style and technique, Collective possesses a raw aesthetic that accurately mirrors the harsh realities of its subject matter. It adopts a fly-on-the-wall approach, with Nanau using observational filmmaking to an impactful degree. The cinematography is stark, devoid of glamourous manipulation. The way in which this movie manages to capture real-life horrors, political machinations, and the relentless pursuit of truth is nothing short of a journalistic tour de force.

Collective is not just a documentary about a devastating fire or a scandal in Romania's medical industry - it's an urgent indictment of prolific corruption and a tribute to those brave enough to fight it. It's a story about the human drive to uncover the truth, bring about justice, and build a fairer world.

To sum it up, Collective is a necessary viewing experience, a thought-provoking journey that leaves a lasting impact long after the end credits roll. It’s a deep dive into the Romanian health and political system, visual journalism at its finest, and a tribute to the resilience of humanity. This compelling film is truly an unforgettable experience that speaks volumes about the state of contemporary society, politics, and the importance of responsible journalism.