The Constitution

Set in contemporary Croatia, the narrative unfolds in present-day Zagreb. It weaves everyday urban life with the lingering memories of the Yugoslav Wars that shape attitudes and relationships. The setting captures a society negotiating national identity, assimilation, and personal freedom.

The story unfolds in a single apartment building in downtown Zagreb, reflecting a dense urban environment where neighbors live in close proximity yet harbor mistrust. The city provides a backdrop for clashes of ethnicity, sexuality, and politics that inform the characters’ choices. Its modern Croatian setting anchors the film’s exploration of personal and social conflict.

🌈 Identity

The film centers on private identities—LGBTQ life and nontraditional relationships—against the pull of public nationalism. Vjekoslav’s self-presentation, past trauma, and the reactions of others reveal how personal truth can clash with cultural norms. The story uses intimate moments to examine acceptance, vulnerability, and the costs of hiding who you are.

🗺️ Prejudice

Prejudice threads through conversations about Serbs, Croats, and the police, highlighting how stereotypes fuel fear and hostility. Characters confront the ways history and ideology shape present actions and judgments. The film suggests that bigotry compromises empathy, even as individuals seek connection.

💔 Grief

Trauma and bereavement drive much of the characters' decisions, from Bobo’s death to the looming threat of self-harm. Grief informs coping strategies, guilt, and the impulse toward despair. The story tracks moments of heartbreak that gradually yield possibilities for care.

🤝 Chosen family

Facing social isolation, Maja and Ante become more than neighbors to Vjekoslav, forming a surrogate family. Their evolving bond helps Vjekoslav confront his hatred and find a path toward connection and responsibility. Adoption and godparent promises symbolize rebuilding trust across divisions.