God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija (2021): Cast & Ratings
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija is a 2021 drama directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska, starring Zorica Nusheva as Petrunija, Labina Mitevska and Simeon Moni Damevski. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Critics gave it 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Teona Strugar Mitevska
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Macedonian - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija About?
The premise of God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija without spoilers.
In a small North Macedonian village, tradition is challenged when Petrunija, an unemployed single mother, unexpectedly seizes the ceremonial cross during a religious ritual. This act of defiance ignites controversy and clashes with the established dominance of the village men. As Petrunija stands her ground, she becomes an unlikely symbol of female empowerment, sparking debate and inspiring change within her community and beyond.
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija Themes & Keywords
· 49 tags- title directed by female
- f rated
- triple f rated
- female protagonist
- procession
- religious procession
- mother daughter relationship
- snow
- cigarette smoking
- staircase
- seeking a job
- job interview
+37 more Show fewer
- bare chested male
- priest
- river
- crucifix
- jumping into water
- traditional ceremony
- tradition
- feminism
- tv interview
- police
- deer
- no opening credits
- reference to alexander the great
- 2010s
- god in title
- claim in title
- comma in title
- north macedonia
- adult daughter lives with her parents
- sewing shop
- orthodox church
- wooden cross
- local tv
- television reporter
- female reporter
- eastern orthodox priest
- mother daughter conflict
- frustration
- sexual harassment
- prosecutor
- violence against a woman
- machismo
- patriarchal society
- melancholia
- existential crisis
- inspired by a true story
- character name in title
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija Cast & Characters
Zorica Nusheva leads the cast as Petrunija, with Labina Mitevska as Journalist Slavica and Simeon Moni Damevski as Chief Inspector Milan. Directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Director Teona Strugar Mitevska
- Zorica Nusheva as Petrunija
- Labina Mitevska as Journalist Slavica
- Simeon Moni Damevski as Chief Inspector Milan
- Bajrush Mjaku as The Prosecutor
Also Starring in God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija
· 6 more- Nikola Kumev Older Officer Vasko
- Andrijana Kolevska Blagica
- Suad Begovski The Priest
- Petar Mircevski Stoyan
- Stefan Vujisic Younger Officer Darko
- Violeta Sapkovska Vaska
More from Teona Strugar Mitevska
More films directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska, best-rated first: How I Killed a Saint, God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya, When the Day Had No Name and The Woman Who Brushed Off Her Tears.
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 50 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in sensory experience (70) and weakest in story & flow (48).
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija Echo Score Breakdown
The film excels in presenting a provocative feminist premise and showcases moments of visual originality, yet its execution is hampered by uneven pacing and a tendency toward didactic storytelling. Critics acknowledge the director's bold approach and occasional striking imagery, but note that the narrative often stalls and the climax feels rushed. Consequently, the work offers a compelling thematic core but struggles to sustain engagement throughout its runtime, resulting in a mixed overall impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 68
In terms of direction and visual composition, the film offers occasional striking imagery and a careful balance between satire and realism. However, several reviewers cite uneven pacing and a rushed conclusion that undermine the overall craftsmanship. The production design receives modest praise, while editing choices are described as languid in places. Overall, the artistic execution is solid but not consistently polished.
- Character & Emotion 60
When evaluating performances, the lead is recognized as well‑acted and capable of conveying determined stubbornness. Supporting characters, however, are described as one‑note and lacking depth, leading to a perception of emotional redundancy. The chemistry between protagonists is uneven, with some critics noting an unconvincing savior dynamic. Thus, character work is competent but falls short of delivering nuanced resonance.
- Story & Flow 48
Regarding narrative structure, the plot is praised for its ambitious critique of patriarchal norms but criticized for repetitive, circular arguments and a clunky second act. Pacing issues cause the story to drag, and the climax is perceived as underdeveloped. While the thematic premise is original, the execution results in a largely uneven and less engaging storyline.
- Sensory Experience 70
The sensory experience benefits from moments of visually striking satire and an effective use of realistic detail that grounds the satire. Sound design and score receive limited comment but do not detract from the overall impression. Though not uniformly praised, the visual style is generally considered a strong element, contributing positively to audience immersion.
- Rewatch Factor 55
The film’s replay value is moderated by its heavy‑handed messaging and uneven pacing, which may reduce enthusiasm for multiple viewings. Nevertheless, the bold thematic stance and occasional visual flair provide enough intrigue for interested audiences to revisit specific scenes. Overall, the lasting appeal is moderate, offering some reasons for repeat watching but limited overall incentive.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 82% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 64%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 50 Metascore
See on Metacritic
Seen God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija?
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God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija, each answered in a sentence.
How long is God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija?
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija released?
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija was released on June 25, 2021.
Who directed God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija?
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija was directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska.
More films by Teona Strugar Mitevska Who is in the cast of God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija?
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija stars Zorica Nusheva as Petrunija, Labina Mitevska as Journalist Slavica and Simeon Moni Damevski as Chief Inspector Milan, among 10 credited actors.
How is God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija rated?
God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and 50 on Metacritic.
Does God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija have a post-credit scene?
No. God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija in?
The original language of God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunija is Macedonian.
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