PITY / OIKTOS

The story of a man who feels happy only when he’s unhappy, a man addicted to sadness. Fortunately, his wife is in a coma, providing him with a wonderful opportunity to arouse other peoples’ pity, but what can he do when the world isn’t cruel enough? Just how far will he go to arouse compassion?

For some years now, Greek cinema has honoured us with weird tales, from the likes of Yorgos Lanthimos. Makridis’s tragicomic tale embraces this playfully evil spirit that seems to permeate Greek cinema. Pity‘s Droopy-like character with psychopathic tendencies, ready to do anything to revel in his misfortune is an example. The film’s polished, sleek craftsmanship highlights the absurdity of its subject. A wickedly delightful dark comedy.