Twilight (Szürkület) (Blu-ray review) ★★★

Many revered films have been fortunate to receive 4K restorations, but now even rarely seen works are able to receive this treatment. Second Run, a UK-based company specialising in the restoration of rare films, is releasing Hungarian filmmaker György Fehér‘s debut feature from 1990, Twilight (original title Szürkület), along with Arbelos and the Hungarian Film Archive. Based on the novel The Pledge by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Twilight follows a retiring detective on the search for the killer of a schoolgirl. The book has had many screen adaptations; probably the most notable version to date is Sean Penn‘s in 2001, which it shares its name with.

Many films have depicted stories of criminals wanting to leave the illicit world they are a part of but finding themselves unable to or having difficulty doing so. The portrayal of this convention is on the other side of the law in Twilight, when Felügyelõ (Péter Haumann), an experienced detective, becomes absorbed in a child homicide case.

The 4K restoration is stunning, which allows the beautiful shot composition in black and white and the use of shadow and light to be noticed more. Cinematographer Miklós Gurbán, who approved the restoration and later worked with fellow Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr on Werckmeister Harmonies, encapsulates the audience with his work here as Gurbán slowly pans across landscapes and follows the actors’ actions.

Fehér’s film also has other similarities with his fellow countryman’s work. Tarr’s films can reference nihilistic themes, and in Twilight, religious symbols are occasionally visible, like a crucifix, or heard with choral music, which seems pointless in a desolate town where murder happens with no resolution or reward in solving a crime. A brooding score further emphasises the feeling of hopelessness with its low electric hum, accompanied by the repetitive sound of a radar, which makes it seem like there’s always a search for wrongdoing and that the crimes are ordinary occurrences here.

Some audiences might find Twilight too slow-moving and bleak. However, those who enjoy Hungarian cinema, particularly by Béla Tarr, or Film Noir, should watch it, especially if they have not seen it before, as it will feel like a brand new release. The Blu-ray is also worth purchasing for the extras, including interviews from filmmakers and critics, along with Miklós Gurbán and the film’s editor Mária Czeilk, so there is lots to discover for any cineaste from the film and beyond.