The Optimists 2011

As the village grapples with the aftermath of a devastating flood, an intriguing figure appears: a hypnotist, portrayed by Ristovski, who offers his unique services with the aim of uplifting the spirits of the distraught residents. This mysterious man doesn’t ask for anything in return; instead, he seeks to bring solace to those who have suffered. However, his arrival incites skepticism among the villagers, leading them to accuse him of theft. The tensions escalate as authorities intervene, resulting in the arrest, brutal treatment, and interrogation of the hypnotist.

In a parallel story, a merciless businessman, played by Tihomir Arsić, takes advantage of his young employee, [Bojana Novaković], luring her to a remote location where he commits a horrific act. The aftermath leaves the victim’s father, portrayed by Ristovski, consumed by sorrow and rage, demanding justice against the perpetrator. Yet, fearing repercussions from the businessman, he tragically redirects his anger, blaming his daughter and suggesting it was her fault.

Meanwhile, Ilija, played by Viktor Savić, struggles with his grief over the loss of his father, Ristovski. In a misguided bid to turn his luck around, he squanders the money set aside for the funeral. This desperation leads him to form an alliance with an elderly woman, depicted by Mira Banjac, who has experienced an incredible run of luck at the slots since her terminal diagnosis. Together, they hope to capture a glimmer of her fortune.

In another plot, Pera, the owner of a large slaughterhouse, calls upon a doctor, represented by Nebojša Glogovac, seeking relief from the stress caused by his 12-year-old son, played by Nebojša Milovanović. Pera locks away his son due to his unhealthy obsession with the family’s grim business of slaughtering animals. It soon becomes apparent to the doctor that Pera’s concerns extend beyond his health, centering rather on his son’s dangerous fixation.

Finally, a shrewd fraudster posing as a faith healer, again played by Ristovski, preys on a group of individuals facing various disabilities and ailments. He entices them with the promise of a journey to a mystical spring believed to possess miraculous healing powers. However, upon arriving at the destination, the group discovers they have been abandoned by the con artist. Despite this betrayal, their hope for healing remains steadfast, as they choose not to stop the bus from leaving, clinging to the belief in the legendary waters’ restorative effects.