Through the Graves the Wind Is Blowing (2024)

In the heart of Split, Croatia, a gripping narrative unfolds in ‘Through the Graves the Wind Is Blowing,’ a film that delves into the life of police detective Ivan Peric. Ivan, the son of a fisherman, chose law enforcement as an escape from the booming tourism industry that dominates modern-day Croatia. However, his aspirations are quickly overshadowed by a series of perplexing murders targeting tourists, a predicament that consumes his every waking moment. The film paints a stark picture of a society where tourists are widely resented, leaving Ivan isolated in his pursuit of justice. He encounters resistance at every turn, with locals unwilling to assist and crucial evidence vanishing into the convoluted maze of bureaucracy. Publicly shamed and ridiculed online, Ivan’s reputation takes a further hit when his superior brands him an ‘uhljeb’ in the local press, a derogatory term for a ‘lazy bureaucratic parasite.’ Set against the backdrop of Split, a city still bearing the scars of Yugoslavia’s dissolution, the film explores themes of societal apathy, systemic corruption, and the struggle for justice in a fractured land. Ivan Peric’s character embodies the complexities of contemporary Croatian life, torn between tradition and modernity, duty and disillusionment. As he navigates the labyrinthine streets of Split, haunted by the ghosts of the past, Ivan must confront not only the elusive killer but also the deep-seated prejudices and institutional obstacles that threaten to derail his investigation. ‘Through the Graves the Wind Is Blowing’ offers a compelling glimpse into the dark underbelly of a tourist paradise, where the pursuit of truth comes at a heavy price. The film’s exploration of social and political issues adds depth to the crime narrative, making it a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary Croatian society. The character of Ivan Peric is a compelling protagonist, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to make a difference in a world that seems determined to resist change. His struggles resonate with audiences, inviting them to reflect on the challenges of upholding justice in the face of adversity. The film’s setting in Split, with its rich history and complex social dynamics, provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding drama. The city’s physical landscape, marked by the remnants of Yugoslavia’s breakup, serves as a visual metaphor for the fractured state of Croatian society. ‘Through the Graves the Wind Is Blowing’ is a powerful and timely film that explores the complexities of crime, corruption, and social injustice in contemporary Croatia. Through the eyes of detective Ivan Peric, audiences are invited to confront the dark underbelly of a tourist paradise and to reflect on the challenges of upholding justice in a world marked by apathy and disillusionment.