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Toxic + ScreenTalk with dir Saulė Bliuvaitė (18*)

New East Cinema

,Cinema 2
A group of young girls wearing black swimming costumes stare despondently

Akis Bado

Two teenage girls enrol in a modelling school hoping to make a better life for themselves and escape the grip of poverty, whatever it takes, from Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė.

The newest gem in the canon of contemporary Lithuanian cinema, Toxic holds nothing back. With her brazenly defiant first film, Bliuvaitė shows us a teenage girl’s world like we’ve never seen it before. 

Marija (Vesta Matulytė) and Kristina (Ieva Rupeikaitė) are best friends, both 13 years-old, and ready to take on the world. At the cusp of adulthood, they still play ball games, yet they dream of leaving their decaying hometown for a life of catwalks and beauty. A modelling school is like a playground, since your body pays the price of fun. 

This audacious debut won Bliuvaitė three awards at the 2024 Locarno Film Festival, including the main prize – the Golden Leopard.

Tagged with: Cinema ScreenTalks New East Cinema

Please note this film contains scenes some viewers may find disturbing, including scenes showing eating disorders and references to sexual assault and abuse.

Supported by the Lithuanian Film Centre.

Film information
  • Release year   2024
  • Country   Lithuania
  • Director   Saulė Bliuvaitė
  • Runtime   1 hour, 29 mins

Cinema 2

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.