Movie Review: Citizen Saint

Screening as part of the European Film Festival between 10-20 October 2024.

One-liner: This cool, cerebral and slow-moving drama is equally artful, atmospheric, intriguing and provocative.

Citizen Saint is a visually-striking black-and-white drama from writer-director Tinatin Kajrishvili that wrestles with faith and superstition. This unconventional exploration is set against the backdrop of a mining town, where a modern day crucifix sculpture serves as a monument to the fallen as well as a good luck charm. When the monument is taken down and its crucified miner vanishes, the arrival of a mysterious stranger challenges the foundations of the community’s deep-seated beliefs and traditions.

This is a niche and provocative drama with a slow cinema approach from Kajrishvili. Black-and-white, deliberately slow-paced, thought-provoking in its examination of religion and intriguing thanks to a leftfield premise, Citizen Saint is about as arthouse as it gets. The film starts with the symbology of the crucifix, one of the most well-known symbols, diving straight into its provocative conversation.

A Georgian ensemble drama, the film features Levan Berikashvili, Mari Kitia, Temiko Chichinadze with George Babluani as the Saint. A team effort, there isn’t space for ego in Citizen Saint, mirroring the same level of authenticity, commitment and naturalism you’d expect from the visual poetry of a Bela Tarr film.

Instead of having Jesus Christ, the exploration leverages a Christ figure instead, opting to redress the story from a mining town perspective. From the miners to the townsfolk, the crucifix takes on a special significance… operating in a world where Christianity isn’t a contrast but an inspiration. An ensemble drama centred around this edgy concept, the focus is on events and overarching ideas rather than specific characters.

The town needs you.

As curious as it gets, Citizen Saint becomes fixated with the effect of its mysterious stranger, a substitute for Christ. His gentle countenance and non-speaking part adds to the drama as interactions with townsfolk reveal shades of the social commentary. A slow-burning tale, it becomes a distant film experience where the concept remains central.

The gritty mining town, earnest performances and artistic visuals maintain the film’s timeless essence. Yet, Citizen Saint never surmounts its cool and contemplative mood. A double-edged sword, this element is what keeps the drama complex and cerebral rather than emotional in its dramatic exploration. Picking at the seams of belief, faith and groupthink, it remains challenging and thought-provoking. However, the film’s entertainment value becomes a matter of diminishing returns as the concept, pacing and intriguing premise lose their novelty.

The bottom line: Intriguing