The Monster Behind the Iron Curtain

In the Yugoslav post‑war countryside, Metod grows up amid hardship and isolation. An accusation that he set fire to a neighbor’s hayrack exposes deep family and social fractures. In 1948, on the uncertain post‑war Yugoslav countryside, Marjeta gives birth to twins, Metod and Cilka. Metod grows up largely alone and, in addition to his complicated relationship with his mother, is shaped by numerous external influences. In his early teenage years, he becomes entangled in conflicts with his peers and with a neighbor, Franc Kerna, who accuses him of arson. When the police take Metod away following the accusation, it triggers a surge of tension that ripples through the family.

Metod’s adolescence is increasingly marked by violent outbursts, police interventions, and work abroad. Driven by reckless decisions and uncontrollable impulses, he becomes infatuated with his neighbor Štefi and tries to impress her by beating his classmate Lojz and stealing his motorcycle. The incident lands him back at the police station, but it barely affects him — his mind is set on leaving to work in Germany. After returning home, Metod sinks into heavy drinking, deeply worrying his mother Marjeta. His criminal behavior escalates, making him a familiar face to the police. Following a court hearing, his erratic conduct leads to forced treatment, where he is subjected to electroconvulsive therapy.

After his release from psychiatric treatment, Metod returns to his home village and the family house. He finds work as a warehouseman at Metalka, but soon clashes with his co‑workers. His mental state steadily deteriorates — excessive drinking, voices he claims to hear, and severe headaches drive him deeper into inner turmoil. He begins to watch women obsessively. At a local tavern, he listens in on two friends, Vera and Marjanca. Exploiting Vera’s confession about her dissatisfaction with her partner, Metod lures the naive Vera into what seems like an innocent trip to buy shoes — an outing that ends very differently than she expects. Thus begins Metod’s murderous rampage.

Disappearances and suspicions begin to multiply within the community, revealing how fragile the boundaries of control truly are during Metod’s nights. At the police station, a worried Meto Damevski reports the disappearance of his partner, Vera. Meanwhile at Metalka, Metod’s superior Šinkovec discovers an unexplained shortfall in the company’s accounts, and Metod is summoned to explain his inappropriate behavior. A co‑worker, Rafael, exerts increasingly aggressive pressure on him to become involved in additional criminal dealings. That evening, Metod goes to a disco, where he seduces the young Zora and draws her into a deadly embrace. The next morning, the neighbor Franc accuses Metod of stealing firewood once again, claiming that black smoke was seen rising from Metod’s house during the night.

Hallucinations, fear, and violent impulses overwhelm Metod as the police search for answers to a growing number of disappearances. His condition rapidly deteriorates — delirium, vivid visions, and unbearable headaches drive him further into psychological collapse. After an evening at the tavern, he drives the unsuspecting Martina home. At the police station, concern escalates as more missing‑person reports surface. Furious that Metod has failed to carry out an agreed criminal job, Rafael begins to pressure and intimidate him, turning their relationship increasingly tense and dangerous. Metod continues to harass women — first targeting a lone student, and later, in the tavern, “rescuing” the isolated Angelca from an annoying drunk.

The illusion of order finally collapses as Metod’s relationships, anger, and lies drive him toward an inevitable breakdown. For the quiet and reserved Angelca, an encounter with Metod ends tragically. The following day, Metod visits his mother Marjeta, presenting himself as a loving son with a successful life and career — a performance that deeply worries her, especially as she opposes his plans to marry. At the tavern, where Metod spends time with his friends Stane and Dare, a violent clash erupts between Yugoslav Army soldiers and punk youths, further fuelling Metod’s aggression. Later, Metod brings the intoxicated Anja back to his family home, harboring equally ominous intentions.