The Criminals review: Questions who the real criminals are in an oppressive state

In a small Turkish town, Nazli and Emre are two university students who are in love and want to be together. They set out to find a hotel room for the night, but this simple detail turns into something quite horrific. They are asked to produce a marriage certificate as, according to regulation, they cannot stay together if unmarried. Walking about in the city, they find a way to be together and get separate rooms in the same hotel, finally finding some privacy. But they are unprepared for the consequences of their actions.

The two are like rats caught in a trap and the hotel owners give themselves sanction to do whatever they want to them. Sexuality and love become entwined with ideas of morality, and the playful, innocent, young love of Nazli and Emre is contrasted with the menacing, creepy figure of the hotel security in-charge and manager who hold them hostage.

Serhat Karaaslan creates an atmosphere of tension, fear and impending crisis as the young couple are caught unawares in a desperate situation. The corridors of the hotel, the dim lighting and the intimate small rooms create a claustrophobic ambience. With elements of a psychological thriller, the cinematographer Tudor Mircea trains the camera to convey that people are always being watched. Deniz Altan and Lorin Merhart's performances are powerful. Altan effectively conveys vulnerability along with a strength that enables her to take decisive action.

A comment on hyper-surveilled societies, the film examines the ways in which authoritarian regimes are tightening the noose around their peoples. With repressive governments in power is so many parts of the world, Karaaslan’s film is an ominous reminder of the power of the repressive state, which is turning societies into a panopticon, with eyes and ears everywhere.

The short film had its world premiere at the Sundance festival, winning the special jury award for screenwriting. The Criminals has won several other awards, including for Best Short Film at the Istanbul Film Festival 2021, Audience Choice at the San Diego International ShortsFest, and Best Screenwriting and Best Actress at the Festival du Cinéma Européen de Lille, France. 

The film is being screened at the Palm Springs ShortFest 2021, which is on from 22–28 June 2021.