The Load

In 1999, amidst the NATO bombing of Kosovo, Vlada is hired to act as a courier transporting a mysterious truck through Kosovo to Belgrade. He is experienced in these trips, having completed two before, and is advised not to stop once he departs. The purpose of the truck’s contents remains undisclosed to him, creating an air of secrecy surrounding the mission.

Vlada begins his journey but is soon rerouted by a burning car wreck at a bridge, which blocks his path. He decides to detour to a nearby riverbed, navigating through unfamiliar and war-torn terrain. This detour marks the start of his challenging journey through Kosovo’s devastated landscape.

While in the riverbed area, Vlada finds a group of refugees who provide him with directions for his route. One refugee sells him cigarettes, highlighting the hardships faced by those suffering from the war. The encounter underscores the chaos and ongoing suffering in the region.

A young man named Paja approaches Vlada and asks for a ride to Belgrade, offering to navigate the countryside. Vlada initially refuses but notices Paja hitching a ride by standing on the back of the truck. Paja’s persistence highlights his desperation to escape the chaos.

After pulling over, Vlada relents and allows Paja to ride with him, especially since Paja is freezing outside. This decision introduces a new dynamic to the journey and signifies Vlada’s acceptance of companionship amid uncertainty.

During the trip, Vlada and Paja witness the destruction caused by the conflict. Paja shares music from his band through a cassette, and Vlada appreciates his talent. Their conversations reveal their contrasting backgrounds but mutual understanding through shared experiences.

As they near Belgrade, Paja confesses he doesn’t want to know what’s in the truck and chooses to disembark short of the city. Before leaving, he gives Vlada a cassette and encourages him to contact him if he ever wants to join the band, highlighting their fleeting connection.

Vlada arrives at his destination and is paid for his service. He observes soldiers unloading bodies from the truck into a mass grave through a government office window, revealing the brutal reality behind the mysterious delivery and the ongoing violence.

Instructed by an officer involved in the transport, Vlada is ordered to return the truck and clean the cargo hold. This completes his role in the transport mission, linking his actions to the larger context of the conflict’s atrocities.

Vlada returns home to his wife and son, Ivan, discussing the uncertain future as the bombings continue. Their conversation reveals emotional estrangement, especially between Vlada and Ivan, shaped by their wartime experiences and personal struggles.

Vlada recounts stories of how his father and uncle were affected by WWII, passing down family history. He gives Ivan a cassette tape, symbolizing hope and connection, as Ivan expresses his desire to start a band, ending the film on a note of aspiration.