On a Lower Level

34 year old Bálint Szentesi does the seemingly superficial job of communication training during the daytime and dutifully spends time with his pregnant wife in the evening. One day, he finds a piece of paper with his handwriting in his basement.

Directed by Gábor Reisz, On a Lower Level leans on a strong ensemble — Zalán Makranczi, István Dankó, Diána Magdolna Kiss — 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 2011.