Pity

“Pity” is a drama film released in 2018. It was directed by Babis Makridis, and he also co-wrote it with Efthymis Filippou, a familiar name due to his work in Dogtooth and The Lobster. The film analyzes the mind of a man who is only happy when he is unhappy, which is a darkly comedic portrayal of self-pity and the human condition.

Plot Overview

The narrative focuses on a mid-life lawyer (portrayed by Yannis Drakopoulos) who has a wife that goes into a coma after an accident. While she is in the hospital, he is used to garnering sympathy and attention from people. After his wife recovers, the sympathy begins to dry up and he clings to the basking affection. Hence, he begins to try and create scenarios that would draw sympathy for him which shows his deep addiction to the pity of others. So, the gradual increase of sympathy leads him to orchestrate situations to signal that he is sick, tired, or in need of compassion.

Main Cast

Yannis Drakopoulos as the Lawyer Evi Saoulidou as the Lawyer’s Wife Nota Tserniafski as the Victim’s Daughter Makis Papadimitriou as the Dry Clean Shop Owner

Themes and Style

As part of the Greek Weird Wave film movement, Pity is unique in its blend of deadpan humor and minimalist style.

The film analyzes emotional dependency, empathy, and the extreme measures one is willing to undertake to gain validation. The protagonist’s mental state as well as the societal commentary are blended together by the stark cinematography and restrained performances.

Reception

The film also premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition section. Notable critics have highlighted the film’s unique approach to storytelling.

Guy Lodge from Variety noted how the film “exert[s] the bracing, mouth-shuddering tang of neat ouzo: You know how it’s going to taste, but it leaves you wincing anyway.”

Pity’s reception has been fairly positive, receiving a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 reviews.

Viewing Information

The film’s availability on streaming platforms is MUBI. Access might differ due to regional limitations.

Pity stands out with a combination of dark humor and poignant commentary, while approaching the outlandish nature of empathy as well as self-worth and the human condition.