Beyond the Hills (2012)

In the heart of Romania, the poignant tale of two women, Alina and Voichita, unfolds. Bound by the shared memories of their orphanage upbringing and the passionate love that bloomed in their young hearts, their lives have taken divergent paths. Alina, weary of the poverty that once shackled them, sought the promise of a richer life in Germany, trading her past for the apron of a barmaid. Yet, the throbbing ache of estrangement from Voichita proves too great to bear, drawing her back to the land of their shared past with dreams of a shared future in Germany. However, Voichita, her once fiery lover, has found solace and love in an unexpected place - in the divine embrace of God. Now a humble dweller of a Romanian convent, she is on the precipice of taking her sacred vows, a testament to her newfound faith. The reunion of the two women becomes a complex dance of love, faith, and diverging desires. Reluctantly, the residing priest agrees to harbor the wayward Alina, his gaze clouded with suspicion. He sees beyond the materialistic facade, identifying her as a storm brewing at the doorstep of their peaceful sanctuary. The tension mounts as Alina battles to reclaim her lost love, and Voichita grapples with her faith and fidelity, both to her friend and her God. "Beyond the Hills" is a riveting exploration of love, faith, and the lengths one is willing to go to preserve them. The story is a labyrinth of complex emotions and moral dilemmas, set against the stark contrast of materialistic ambition and spiritual devotion.

Beyond the Hills is a drama movie featuring Cosmina Stratan and directed by Cristian Mungiu.

Beyond the Hills is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on AMC+ Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel and DIRECTV.