Vlad (Slavko Slobin), is a Yugoslav-Serbian refugee and harmonica player in Bristol who is also a recovering heroin addict. He has secured a counselling job, formed a Balkan music band and is building a tentative relationship with his daughter Maria (Olive Gray). But money issues and temptations of drugs threaten to ruin everything.
Writer/director Thea Gajić presents a blisteringly authentic portrayal of a man fighting his demons, with a great performance from Slobin. He is full of a nervous energy and depicts Vlad as always living on the edge of disaster with a searing realism. Gray also excels, constantly wanting to believe in her father and desiring his approval, but deep down expecting to be let down.
Surviving Earth is dedicated to the memory of Gajić’s father and the Vlad’s story is largely based on his life. That must mean it is a very personal work for her and the authenticity shines through. My only real criticism is that the narrative arc is a little predictable which leads to a naturalistic but grim story.
Rating: 8 out of 10