Stampila (The Stamp) is writer-director David Larson’s debut feature. The political thriller’s production and the story it tells left such an impression on the citizens that it helped spark a real-life revolution. Does that inspiration come through in the finished product?
Jerry (Shawn Law) and Preston (Tommy Dickie) are Americans in Moldova at the behest of oligarch Mihai (Dragoș Scutelnicu). Thanks to his massive, blatant corruption, as well as the corruption of other government officials, citizens feel stuck, frustrated, and annoyed. Word has it that someone wants to start a revolution and incite change, which the rich bastards are not a fan of. So, Mihai hired a company to thwart the potential uprising.
However, Preston soon realizes the resilience and determination of Moldovans is more than expected. It starts with the translator, Anastasia (Lia Sinchevici), who intentionally mistranslates Jerry to make him seem like a cuck. Then there’s Deputy Director Olga (Irina Rusu), who uses her high position of power to fight back against unjust citations given due to not paying bribes. This is how Olga meets Ludmilla (Ana Maria Cobileanschi), whose food cart is a regular target by every corrupt person in the area. As Preston learns more about Moldovan history, specifically its wine-making heritage, he sees how his job may ruin the forward path Olga and the others have sent the country on.
“…Preston soon realizes the resilience and determination of Moldovans is more than expected.”
Stampila is not an outright political satire a la Wag The Dog, though it does have its fair share of comedy. The humor typically stems from the stubbornness of the corrupt men and their disbelief over how anyone, much less women, can stand up to them. It largely works, with the comedic bits tying nicely into the overarching themes. The drama also plays well, with most of the characters having more than one trait to them so that they are relatable and hold the audience’s attention.
However, the thriller aspect is what really shines through. The scene of Ludmilla talking back to the health inspector is tinged with fear over what he might do to her. A sequence about corralling mothers is shockingly suspenseful because the reason why moms, in particular, are needed is not revealed until later. Jerry becoming more and more frustrated with the dire situation and with Preston adds a sense of real-world danger to the proceedings.
But Stampila does have a few problems. Namely, the relationship between Preston and Anastasia isn’t all that engaging. It’s not romantic in nature, so spending so much time with them feels like filler. On top of that, it is chockful of odd bits, such as a discussion of 6 million-year-old wine. If that is hyperbole or grand mythmaking for Moldova, that is not made clear. If it is somehow true, that is also not made clear, especially for those who know very little about wine. While the actors are fine, Preston and Anastasia spending time together interrupts Olga and Ludmilla fighting back in covert and overt ways which is far more entertaining and engrossing.
Stampila impressively balances drama, thrills, and humor. Most of the characters are well-drawn and interesting, in part due to their writing and thanks to the cast. While the b-story is so-so, the main throughline is fascinating and timely and ends on the perfect note.
For more information, visit the official Stampila site.
"…impressively balances drama, thrills, and humor."
