Names

When Marco and his mother arrive at a refugee center full of children, women and old people, the boy meets two friends who explain that it is only a matter of time before the soldiers bring a shoe box full of the belongings of one of their fathers who died in the war. Once they settle in the center, one of the children reveals to Marco that the classroom they are in is cursed: death will visit those whose last name is on the door, and they will likely receive a box. Marco becomes obsessed with the sound of a military jeep carrying the dreaded box and devises a plan to outwit Death.

Directed by Jane Spasikj, Names leans on a strong ensemble — Jakov Pavlov, Dragana Kostadinovska, Georgij Negrievski — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.