Childhood is a time of discovery and growth. It is a universal fact. That happy period in your life when most of your days are filled with something new. Taking the chance to explore the world around you, all of its intricacies. Filled with courage, the ability to take each step forward through life. There is, however, one part of childhood that people do not talk about often. This is the loneliness that kids can feel. No matter your surroundings, whether or not you have a family with you, there is an inevitable sense of being alone. Maybe not every child experiences this, but for those that do, it is something worth exploring.
In his previous films, Paul Negoescu’s protagonists were older men, middle aged let us say. To inspire and create a film for the younger generation, Negoescu worked closely with frequently collaborated writer, Mihai Mincan. In Atlas of the Universe, their seemingly simple script provides much more than what is seen on the surface. For the more youthful audience, it can be a vibrant film inspiring them to go on adventures and have courage. But for the more mature viewer, there is a subtle sadness below the surface.
Sent into the nearest town to buy new shoes for school with his father, what should have been a simple endeavour turned into much more for ten-year-old Filip (Matei Donciu). On their way, Filip’s father gets sidetracked by an old friend. Instead of waiting for his father, Filip decides to head to the store alone. When at the shop, he accidentally leaves with two right-footed shoes. Ashamed and nervous, instead of returning home with his mistake, Filip decides to fix the problem on his own. Given the supposed location of his left shoe, he sets off into the unknown, along the way meeting friends, befriending a stray dog, and learning about himself. Through his day, it becomes clear that these small choices, moments of worry, and immense amounts of courage will lead to Filip’s growth and independence.
Negoescu’s Atlas of the Universe truly becomes just that. From entirely the perspective of young Filip, the audience gets to experience his day unfold. Immediately you cannot help but empathize with the young boy as he mistakingly purchases two of the same footed shoes. Not many kids would have the audacity to go on as great a journey as Filip does in Atlas of the Universe. Implanted in the audience as soon as his mission begins, it is something Filip NEEDS to do, not WANTS to do. There is a stamina in him that can inspire everyone.
Atlas of the Universe, though it has a beautiful and warm colour palate, depends primarily on its cast. Each of the side characters introduced along the way only add part of the allure of the film. Where the strongest part required is in Filip. Negoescu and the crew found just what they needed in young Matei Donciu. Through no difficulty at all, the audience is given every chance to connect with him. Not only can this relationship be developed, but an empathetic and caring feeling comes from within. Those of us who are older want to make sure he remains safe throughout his journey. It is a magical connection, that no matter the age difference and how we experience it, it is there between the audience and Filip.
At times, Filip’s world feels too simple. There are no moments where drastic issues occur or threaten Filip and his safety. He does however meet different types of people along his way. This is perhaps the most realistic way to show childhood. The knowledge that people are not always what they seem, it is what is on the inside that shows their true colours. As Filip goes through his adventure, his interior strength helps him to understand different ways in which the world works. While he remains courageous, he is reminded that the loneliness he feels is universal, others experience it as well. What could have simply been an uneventful series of a kid walking across part of Romania turned into so much more.
Courage in youth is one important thing they can learn as they grow. But what can ultimately become more important is knowing that the loneliness they may feel is normal too. A successful creation by Negoescu and crew, Atlas of the Universe is passionately made for the younger generation. Premiering at the Berlinale on Saturday February 14, Atlas of the Universe has priorly been picked up by Pluto Films. One can only hope the film will be distributed globally to allow children everywhere to see it.