Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Poppy Field is a Romanian drama about a closeted police officer who is called to a theater where a group of religious fanatics have interrupted the screening of an LGBT movie.
The film opens with Cristi (Conrad Mericoffer) meeting up with his long-distance boyfriend, Hadi (Radouan Leflahi). Hadi works for an airline and lives in France, while Cristi is a police officer living in Romania. Although Hadi is only in town for a few days, Cristi isn’t able to take time away from work to be with him.
Cristi’s sister, Catalina (Cendana Trifan), drops in unannounced to meet Hadi. She pokes fun at Cristi for not taking time to show Hadi around, which causes tension between them. They argue in Romanian, which Hadi does not speak, and as Catalina leaves, Cristi asks her why she came. Catalina says she wanted to meet the man he’s dating during his gay phase.
The film then cuts to Cristi in a van with his co-workers. They ask about his ex-girlfriend and if he’s dating anybody. Cristi halfheartedly responds to them, but does not mention Hadi, as he looks out the window. The van drops them off at a cinema, where the screening of a queer movie is being disrupted by a group of religious fanatics.
When one of the moviegoers, who Cristi had once dated, recognizes him, Cristi refuses to acknowledge him. The man threatens to out him, and Cristi becomes unhinged and starts to beat him up. Another officer separates them, which causes a commotion and puts Cristi in jeopardy. And with that, the drama begins.
Some Thoughts:
Poppy Field is a stark reminder of the negative effects of societal pressures to stay in the closet. Cristi lives in a society where even those who seem supportive are not, and people speak in coded language. The film is filled with subtle moments and images that convey mood as the story gradually unfolds, exposing Cristi’s inner turmoil.
The acting overall is good. Mericoffer’s portrayal of a man in personal crisis with nowhere to turn is spot on. Also, Mericoffer and Leflahi have the necessary chemistry to bring their pairing to life. Their relationship is new and long distance, so the sex is hot a heavy. And since they still don’t know enough about each other, Hadi is at a loss and doesn’t understand why Cristi is often distant and pensive.
Once Cristi goes to work, it feels as if Hadi is forgotten. The drama about Cristi being outed takes center stage, and there aren’t enough references to Hadi to let the viewer know if his storyline will return.
The Final Verdict:
Poppy Field is a simple film with a lot going on under the surface. It’s well done, but not suitable for those looking to watch something light.