Contemporary Romanian cinema, with its unique narrative style and compelling stories, has made a significant impression on the global film industry. Here are five standout films that reflect Romania’s artistic prowess and provide insight into its unique cultural and social milieu.

1. “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” (2007), directed by Cristian Mungiu, is an evocative film set during the final years of communist Romania. It tells the story of two university students seeking an illegal abortion amid oppressive bureaucracy, showcasing a relentless survival struggle against a harsh backdrop.

2. “Aferim!” (2015), directed by Radu Jude, is a visually striking historical drama set in 19th-century Wallachia. It delves into slavery and prejudice through the pursuit of a runaway Gypsy slave, exposing societal discrimination and inequality.

3. “Child’s Pose” (2013), directed by Călin Peter Netzer, is an intense family drama focusing on the power dynamics between a controlling mother and her distant son. The film provides a gripping exploration of manipulation, guilt, and redemption within families.

4. “Beyond the Hills” (2012), another work by Cristian Mungiu, is a story about two friends in a rural Orthodox convent. The narrative takes a turn when one becomes possessed, leading to a conflict between faith and modernity.

5. “The Death of Mr Lăzărescu” (2005), directed by Cristi Puiu, is a darkly humorous yet touching depiction of a man navigating Bucharest’s troubled healthcare system. The film delivers a powerful social critique, underscoring the universal pursuit of dignity and compassion.