Is there a lot of 'adult' content I should worry about?

There is some brief nudity and several scenes with heavy sexual tension, particularly involving the teen girl and the older family friend. It's handled artistically, not exploitatively, but it's definitely present.

Is this a good 'family movie night' pick?

Only if your family is into serious, quiet dramas. If you're looking for entertainment to eat popcorn to, this isn't it. It's a conversation-heavy, moody experience.

Is the father's behavior physically violent?

While there are moments of physical aggression and a constant threat of violence, the film focuses more on his psychological and emotional control. It's more 'suffocating' than 'gory.'

Where can I actually find this movie?

It's often available on library-linked services like Kanopy or Hoopla, which is great if you have a library card. Otherwise, look for it on niche platforms like the Kino Film Collection.

Murina – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Murina

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sun-drenched, tense Croatian drama about a teen girl trying to trade her overbearing father for a more glamorous model.

91%

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Murina

movie

15, 2022

76%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A sun-drenched, tense Croatian drama about a teen girl trying to trade her overbearing father for a more glamorous model.

91%

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Screenwise Verdict

Murina is a beautiful, uncomfortable knife-twist of a movie. It isn't a 'fun' watch, but it's a rewarding one for parents and older teens who want something with more teeth than the average coming-of-age story.

It’s less about a girl finding herself and more about a girl realizing the cage she's in has a door if she’s willing to break some glass to get to it. If your family enjoys high-end indie dramas that prioritize mood over happy endings, this is a strong recommendation.

Age Fit

This is firmly for the 15+ crowd. It's a psychological drama that requires a level of emotional maturity to process the subtle manipulations and power plays without finding it just 'boring' or confusing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film centers on a deeply dysfunctional and controlling father-daughter relationship. It's emotionally honest but far from 'feel-good' or cooperative in tone.

Imaginative

Visually stunning with a unique 'sun-drenched noir' aesthetic. It uses its Adriatic setting to create a pressurized, atmospheric experience.

Safe

Intended for older audiences. Contains significant psychological tension, some sexual undertones, and depictions of an overbearing, borderline abusive parent.

Enriching

Provides a sophisticated look at power dynamics, gender roles, and the complex desire for escape. Excellent for sparking deep conversation with older teens.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The cinematography is world-class, turning the beautiful Adriatic coast into a claustrophobic pressure cooker.
It offers a sophisticated coming-of-age story that avoids the usual clichés, focusing instead on the sharp edges of family power struggles.
Gracija Filipović gives a standout performance as Julija, capturing the quiet rage of a teenager who is done being managed.
It's a great pick for families who enjoy art-house cinema and aren't afraid of movies that let tension simmer without easy resolutions.

⚠

What to Watch For

The father's controlling behavior is constant and can be genuinely uncomfortable to watch; it's a study in emotional suppression.
There is significant sexual tension between the teenage protagonist and her father's older friend, which is used to highlight her desperation to escape.
Expect a slow-burn pace—this is a movie about atmosphere and internal shifts, not plot-heavy action.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Julija sees Javier as a savior rather than just another man with his own agenda?"
"How does the setting of an island contribute to the feeling that Julija is trapped?"
"In what ways does Ante use his role as a father to mask his own insecurities?"
"Do you think Julija's mother is a victim in this house, or is she complicit in the way Ante treats their daughter?"

Deep Dive

Produced by Martin Scorsese, Murina arrived with a lot of pedigree and largely lived up to it. It’s the kind of film that uses the blue water and bright sun of Croatia not as a travelogue, but as a backdrop for a very dark family dynamic. The core of the film is Julija’s attempt to use her father’s wealthy friend, Javier, as a literal vehicle for her escape.

What makes it interesting for an intentional parent is how it deconstructs the 'vacation movie.' Usually, these films are about relaxation or romance; here, the vacation is a battlefield. It’s a great comparison piece to movies like The Lost Daughter or Aftersun—films that understand that being 'away' often just means your problems have more room to breathe.

For a teenager, watching Julija navigate the adults in her life—none of whom are particularly reliable or selfless—can be a powerful exercise in media literacy. It’s a movie that asks you to look past the surface-level beauty and see the control structures underneath. Just don't go in expecting a lighthearted romp; this one is designed to leave a mark.

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