Take Me Somewhere Nice

Take Me Somewhere Nice is a 2019 feature film directed by accomplished Dutch-Bosnian filmmaker Ena Sendijarevic. The film stars young, talented Sara Luna Zoric in the lead role, alongside Lazar Dragojevic and Ernad Prnjavorac. Take Me Somewhere Nice is a charming, offbeat film that stands out with its unique aesthetic, witty dialogue, and authentic performances.

The film follows the journey of a young Dutch teenager Alma, portrayed effectively by Sara Luna Zoric. Born and brought up in the Netherlands with a Bosnian heritage, Alma embarks on a summer vacation to Bosnia. The core motive of the trip is visiting her ailing father whom she has never built a strong bond with. In this semi-absurd journey, Alma finds herself challenged by societal norms, clumsily navigating through the complexities of adulthood, encounters with estranged relatives, and familial ties.

Lazar Dragojevic and Ernad Prnjavorac execute their roles flawlessly as Alma’s oddball cousin and his renegade friend who eventually becomes her guides and companions in this travel, complimenting Alma's character and making the storyline more intricate and dynamic.

Take Me Somewhere Nice perfectly captures the culture shock that the young protagonist undergoes, giving audiences a taste of her bewilderment and fascination. The movie astutely encapsulates the dichotomy between Alma's westernized perspectives and the unfamiliar, seemingly wild, and impractical homeland of her parents, with stalwart themes of late adolescence, self-realization, and identity exploration positioned at the heart of this tale.

A distinctive aspect of the film is its remarkable visual style. Ena Sendijarevic, known for her artistic direction, weaves magisterial cinematic landscapes within the narrative, painting vibrant, yet enigmatic scenarios that are both aesthetically pleasing and evocative. The stillness of static shots, thought-provoking composition, and the deliberate use of color evokes feelings of melancholy and introspection.

Another captivating element of Take Me Somewhere Nice is its rather dry humor that is woven into the narrative quite subtly. This is predominantly evident in the film's dialogue that possesses a sense of absurdity, inherently mirroring the confusing reality that Alma experiences. Despite the film’s often bleak landscapes and the sense of alienation that repeatedly besets Alma, it does not shy away from offering several amusing and unexpected moments of levity that humanize the characters and their situation, further drawing the audience into the story.

The film’s palpable sense of place and the poignant connections (or disconnection) Alma attempts to make with her homeland is another note-worthy subtext present. Evoking a proverbial journey, it questions what home means and how we construct our identities based on our cultural backgrounds and experiences.

The performances across the board are excellent, offering the right blend of understated subtlety and powerful rawness. Sara Luna Zoric, in particular, shines as Alma with a compelling performance that balances a cool exterior with a determined, emotional core that resonates with the audience. Lazar Dragojevic and Ernad Prnjavorac as Emir and Denis respectively, both give well-rounded performances as two flawed yet humane individuals at odds with the world around them.

Take Me Somewhere Nice is a film marked by its daring stylistic choices, unapologetic characters, and a distinct, nuanced voice. Bursting with authenticity and unexpected emotions, it subtly explores themes of estrangement and belonging, reflecting on not just the physical journey of its protagonist, but her emotional and psychological journeys as well. It is an insightful exploration of identity, family relationships, and the strange beauty of the human experience.