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Film Title: Treasure (2024)
R * Comedy/Drama/Tragicomedy * 1h 52m
Written by Julia von Heinz, John Quester 
Based on the 1999 novel Too Many Men by Lily Brett,
Directed by Julia von Heinz

THE CAST

Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry and Zbigniew Zamachowski. 

THE STORY

(In their own words). Set in 1990, it tells the story of an American journalist Ruth who travels to Poland with her father Edek to visit his childhood places. But Edek, a Holocaust survivor, resists reliving his trauma and sabotages the trip creating unintentionally funny situations.

THE BEST

• Story: The narrative is compelling and emotionally rich, focusing on a journey of self-discovery and family bonding. The juxtaposition of personal and historical exploration adds depth and intrigue to the film.
• Acting: Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry deliver outstanding performances. Dunham captures the complexities of a daughter dealing with personal issues and a challenging family history, while Fry brings a poignant depth to his portrayal of a Holocaust survivor grappling with his past.
• Pacing: The film maintains a smooth and engaging pace throughout its runtime. At 1 hour and 52 minutes, it effectively balances moments of humor and drama, making the runtime feel much quicker than it is.
• Direction: Julia von Heinz’s direction ensures that the film’s tone and pacing are spot on. She masterfully guides the actors through nuanced performances and creates heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with the audience.

THE WORST

• Hard Subject Matter: The film deals with the heavy and sensitive topic of the Holocaust, which can be challenging for viewers. Despite being a comedy/drama, the subject matter might deter some from watching.
• Controversial Casting: Due to her controversial status, Lena Dunham’s involvement might affect the film’s reception. Her performance is solid, but her presence might overshadow the film for some viewers.

THE COMMENTS

“Treasure” is a film with a lot of heart and character. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the father-daughter relationship, blending comedy and drama to explore their personal and historical journeys. The film is set against the backdrop of post-Holocaust Poland, adding layers of tension and poignancy. Despite the heavy themes, the film finds humor and relatability in the interactions between the characters, making it a compelling watch. The narrative effectively highlights the importance of confronting the past to understand and heal from it. The performances by Dunham and Fry are particularly noteworthy, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.

THE LESSON

“Treasure” imparts several valuable lessons. It emphasizes the importance of expressing love and support within a family, as unspoken feelings can lead to a sense of unworthiness. The film also highlights that escaping the past by ignoring it is futile; confronting and discussing past traumas is essential for healing and moving forward. These themes are particularly relevant in the context of the Holocaust and its lasting impact on survivors and their families.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

While “Treasure” is a well-made film with solid performances and an engaging story, its heavy subject matter might make it a one-time watch for many viewers. However, its emotional depth and the nuanced portrayal of its characters could make it a valuable film for discussions and film clubs.

THE FINAL WORD

“Treasure” is a poignant and heartfelt film that skillfully blends comedy and drama to explore the complex relationship between a father and daughter. Set against the backdrop of post-Holocaust Poland, the film delves into themes of memory, trauma, and family bonds. Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry deliver compelling performances, and Julia von Heinz’s direction ensures a smooth and engaging pace. While the subject matter is heavy and the casting of Dunham might be controversial, the film’s emotional depth and heartfelt moments make it a journey worth taking. 

THE VERDICT

My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

I give “Treasure” a “Like It” for its strong storytelling and impactful performances, even though it may not be an easy film to revisit.

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