Is Home Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2017 release of Home stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into One in five families in Croatia lose their apartment or house due to being unable to pay back credit or keep up with overhead expenses. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "One in five families in Croatia lose their apartment or house due to being unable to pay back credit or keep up with overhead expenses. The rigorous Seizure Law provides banks and other institutions with an easier way of gaining real estate. When the system fails, when a citizen has nowhere to apply for assistance and when the unscrupulous administration dislodges them from their flats or houses, then young activists arrive to help and with their bodies prevent the execution of the eviction. HOME has recorded grievous scenes from the very places where the cordons of special police use force to drag away children, women, the young and the old - whose one and only wish is to stay and live in their only home."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Home, we see the ensemble cast utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Zdenko Jurilj is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 40 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Home truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.1/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Home explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Zdenko Jurilj respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Home is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of the ensemble cast or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Home is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.