The Other Side of Everything

The Other Side of Everything (Serbian title: "Druga strana svega”) is an evocative, compelling documentary film set in Serbia, directed by Mila Turajlic and featuring her mother, Srbijanka Turajlic, as the central protagonist. Released in 2017, this unique and thought-provoking film masterfully intertwines personal and national history, crafting a complex narrative that explores political transitions, familial bonds, and the fierce quest for freedom and justice.

As the film unfolds, it presents the viewers with a remarkably intimate view of the director's mother, Srbijanka Turajlic, an eminent professor and political activist. The Genetically embedded in the core of Serbia's democratic movement, Srbijanka's character is an epitome of fearless activism and relentless pursuit of democratic ideals, offering an inspiring embodiment of the human spirit's undying quest for freedom and dignity.

The film also introduces the viewers to the unique setting of the Turajlic's family apartment in Belgrade, a politically charged space that becomes an unlikely character in the unfolding narrative. Reflecting the country's shifting political landscape, the apartment, which was divided by the state into two halves during communist rule, serves as an inescapable, poignant metaphor for a nation fractured by ideological divisions and political turmoil.

Beyond the Turajlic's family apartment, the film skillfully explores the broader social and political landscape of Serbia. It delves into the country's turbulent past with a nuanced understanding, tracing its journey through monarchy, war, communism, revolution, and its continuing struggle with democracy. Turajlic’s loyalty to historical truth means that the film provides a complex insight into Serbia's evolution, highlighting the challenges, disappointments, and small victories encountered along the way. All of these elements add up to a resonant narrative that captures the essence of a country grappling with its past while setting its sights on an uncertain future.

Woven into this broad tapestry of national history is the powerful mother-daughter dynamic between Srbijanka and Mila Turajlic. Their relationship brings a deeply personal dimension to the film, and their conversations serve both as poignant intergenerational dialogues about activism, democracy, and sacrifice and as a means of exploring broader philosophical questions about truth, freedom, and responsibility.

Moreover, Turajlic manages to combine the eye of an insider with the perspective of an observer, resulting in a film that is both introspective and outward-looking. She makes full use of the medium's potential, employing a blend of archival footage, interviews, and observational scenes. This approach enables the filmmaker to craft a picture that is not only personal and specific but also universal in its exploration of political change and the impact it has on individuals and families.

Mira Boskic, appearing briefly in the documentary, is a neighbor and old friend of the Turajlic family, and her interactions add depth to the complex narrative of The Other Side of Everything, providing a taste of the diverse voices and experiences that constitute Serbian society.

Beyond the scope of Serbia, the film also delivers a critique of macro-political structures and governments, exploring themes of resistance, oppression, and the desire for social justice that resonates globally. It invites viewers to reflect on these universal themes, encouraging them to question their understanding of democracy, freedom, and the role they play in shaping their nation's future.

In conclusion, The Other Side of Everything is far more than a mere documentary. It is a study of resilience, a critique of oppression, and a story of a nation's pursuit of freedom. It is a family's tale intricately woven into the social, political, and historical tapestry of a country and region not often given enough attention on the global stage. A political thriller, an intimate family portrait, a slice of national history, this absorbing film is all these and more, making for a viewing experience as enlightening as it is engaging.