Closer to the Moon

In the aftermath of a tumultuous post-war period in Communist Romania, a secretive assembly of high-society elites, known as the Ioanid Gang, gathers in the heart of Bucharest to unveil their ambitious film project. Among those present are Max Rosenthal (portrayed by Mark Strong), Alice Bercovich (played by Vera Farmiga), Dumi Dorneanu (Tim Plester), Răzvan Orodel (Joe Armstrong), and Iorgu Ristea (Christian McKay). Observing from the sidelines is Virgil, a young café employee with a knack for observation. Under the pretense of filmmaking, the Ioanid Gang orchestrates a daring heist aimed at the National Bank of Romania. The very next day, Virgil finds himself pulled onto a film set where he meets the director, Flaviu (Allan Corduner), who sends him on an errand to fetch vodka.

Flashback to eight months prior to the heist, we see celebrated figures of resistance during World War II—Max, Dumi, Iorgu, and Răzvan—gathering to welcome the year 1959. Max is grappling with the fallout from his impending divorce from Sonia, portrayed by Monica Bîrlădeanu, while Alice returns from Moscow, bringing their son, Mirel (Marcin Walewski), along. As she reintroduces Mirel to his father, a tender bond begins to blossom between them.

While celebrating Dumi’s birthday, the Ioanid Gang reminisces about their past revolutionary lives. In a moment of camaraderie, they craft plans for their heist, aiming to reignite anti-Communist sentiments in Romania. Although Alice initially declines to participate due to her responsibilities as a mother, she ultimately agrees when Mirel expresses a desire to join, becoming the fifth member of their unconventional crew.

As the heist unfolds, Alice’s anger ignites upon discovering that Mirel is filming the entire escapade. After a period of tranquility, Iorgu unwittingly draws attention to himself, thrusting the gang into the crosshairs of the authorities, led by Comrade Holban (Anton Lesser), who begins tracking down each member of the Ioanid Gang just as Luna 2 makes history with its lunar landing.

As Virgil takes on his responsibilities as an experienced camera assistant, he receives a call from his boss regarding the commencement of a short film production, which he has been assigned to. His role demands he capture every moment on camera, but as the layers of deception unfold, Virgil learns that this film serves a darker purpose: it’s a piece of propaganda orchestrated by the infamous Ioanid Gang. With the Securitate breathing down their necks, the gang members are coerced into participating in the film as part of a deal with the authorities.

Amidst this chaos, Alice finds herself forming a bond with Virgil, who harbors crucial information about the robbery that led to the Gang’s downfall. During a shoot, when Flaviu becomes inebriated and collapses, Max seizes the opportunity to discreetly convey important details to Virgil. The camera assistant is soon tasked with reaching out to the gang members’ families, a mission he embarks on with the aid of his landlord, Moritz (David de Keyser).

One fateful night, Virgil has an untimely visit from Holban, who is aware of his secretive support of the gang. Holban requests that Virgil help secure the gang’s trust further and asks him to find Alice’s missing son, the sixth member of their ensemble. Time is of the essence for the Ioanid Gang, and in a surprising turn during a hectic moment on set, Alice manages a bold escape.

Virgil trails her to a covert meeting with her son, culminating in an emotional farewell. Later, they reunite at Virgil’s home, where their connection deepens over a shared night together. However, the following morning, Alice turns herself in to the authorities, leaving behind sealed instructions for Virgil. With Holban temporarily sidelined by Max’s ex-brother-in-law (Darrell D’Silva), Alice’s letter unveils a shocking revelation: she had become pregnant at the last moment, resulting in her sentence being commuted to a lifetime in prison.

As Iorgu, Dumi, Răzvan, and Max face the grim reality of execution, the narrative takes a poignant twist. In a reflective voiceover, Alice shares her new life—a new beginning in Israel with her children, Mirel and her daughter, leaving behind the chaos of her past.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 23:11