The Cage

She was once the wife of an important man, lived in a beautiful house in Hradčany, and was friends with the famous race car driver Eliška Junková. Today, however, she lives somewhere on the outskirts of Prague in a ground-floor apartment overlooking the courtyard and the street, alone and abandoned by practically everyone. Her husband died a long time ago, and her life now consists only of regular meetings with the postwoman, who brings her pension and her favorite motoring magazines, and regular help at the rectory and the local church. She occasionally cooks and bakes for Father Jan, and with her characteristic willingness, she also does his laundry and ironing. However, one of the last certainties in her life collapses unexpectedly quickly—Father Jan is transferred somewhere to Hradec Králové and is replaced by a young priest who is used to doing everything himself. At that moment, a smiling young man with dark glasses and a flower in his hand enters Květa Galová's life.

Directed by Jiří Strach, The Cage leans on a strong ensemble — Jiřina Bohdalová, Kryštof Hádek, Viktor Preiss — 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 2019.