Though it may initially resemble a typical #MeToo-themed drama, Broken Voices by Ondřej Provazník takes a far more nuanced and psychological approach to its subject. Rather than focusing solely on acts of sexual abuse, the film explores the manipulative behavior and emotional grooming that enables such acts to occur — and how society, often unwittingly, allows them to thrive.
Set in the early 1990s in the Czech Republic, the story centers on Karolina, a 13-year-old girl played with haunting brilliance by Kateřina Falbrová. Karolina idolizes her older sister Lucie and dreams of joining her in the local choir. The choir’s leader, Mácha Vitek (portrayed by Juraj Loj), is a strict, authoritarian figure, revered for his musical discipline but feared for his cruelty. Inspired by the real-life case of Bohumil Kulínský, the notorious leader of the Children of Prague choir, Vitek’s character evolves from demanding mentor to something far more sinister.
As the story unfolds, Karolina becomes Vitek’s favored pupil, drawing jealousy and suspicion from the other girls. Though initially disguised as discipline and perfectionism, Vitek’s attention grows more personal, and unsettling behaviors begin to emerge. The other girls joke about how often he looks at Karolina, but the tension is anything but playful. Dressed in the awkward, oversized fashion of adolescence, Karolina tries to believe she’s valued solely for her vocal talent, ignoring the mounting signs of predatory interest.
The turning point of the film is a planned tour of America, representing both escape and ambition for the young singers. At a preparatory boot camp, tensions flare. Karolina is given clear preferential treatment, driving Lucie to the brink — in a fit of rage, she locks her sister out in the snow, nearly killing her. Yet, in a moment of calculated mercy, Vitek insists both girls join the upcoming trip.
Broken Voices is a slow-burn psychological thriller that maintains a persistent sense of unease. When Vitek finally reveals his true nature, the moment is handled with restraint — the horror lies in the buildup, not the act. Provazník channels the eerie subtlety of Catherine Breillat and Michael Haneke, focusing on the systemic and emotional conditions that allow abuse to flourish.
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Juraj Loj delivers a chilling performance, embodying a man who hides monstrous intent behind discipline and charisma. But it is Falbrová’s quiet intensity that anchors the film — her portrayal of Karolina is both vulnerable and emotionally rich, capturing the inner confusion of a child caught in the crossfire of ambition, trust, and betrayal.
Like İlker Çatak’s The Teachers’ Lounge, Broken Voices is a devastating portrait of a young girl’s journey through a world where even seemingly noble institutions harbor dark truths. It’s a powerful, disturbing work that deserves attention this awards season.
