Framing a Serbian protest within the borders of youth, “Lost Country” walks a thin line between family and national ideology, building to an end of melancholic design. In 1990s Serbia, plagued by civil upheaval, a young boy and his diplomat mother face a world that views them as channels to tyranny. As he watches his mother play the part of a spokeswoman to an authoritarian regime and his connection turns poisonous as friends, school and even personal safety become tainted by his mother’s position on statewide systems. Emotions chant loudly as the child falls silent to a community with their backs turned, ignoring an otherwise innocent victim to political hierarchy. Moody and well aware of it, “Lost Country” shows the sorrows of social unrest but wilts in moments of charm, a contrast that works best when both are actively involved.

*This film screened at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival