In the Bosnian dramatic export Excursion, the story centers on teenage Iman (Asja Zara Lagumdžija), who uniquely weaponizes the middle school rumor mill against herself and her budding sexuality, leading to a self-implosion that’s both intriguing and exasperating. Directed by Una Gunjak, this introspective coming-of-age drama moves at a glacial pace, often feeling more like a sequence of introspective vignettes than a cohesive narrative. While Lagumdžija delivers a compelling performance, the film struggles to maintain cinematic engagement, with its minimalist style and prolonged scenes that contribute little to narrative progression. Ultimately, Excursion fails to resolve its central conflicts in a compelling manner, leaving much to be desired in terms of emotional payoff and narrative closure. Despite its promising premise, the film largely feels like a missed opportunity to explore themes of impulsive teenage angst with the depth and nuance it deserves. (C)
[READ MORE: All of our coverage of the Seattle International Film Festival ’24.]
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By: Matt Oakes
Started blogging about film in college when the university paper wouldn’t have him. Dislikes your consensus film Twitter favorites. Devotee of horror movies that make him die a little inside. Catches films at festivals when he can. Proud SFCS and OFCS member and Tomatometer-approved critic. Editor-in-chief of Silver Screen Riot.
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