★ 7 / 10
A tender, offbeat coming-of-age drama
BeneCumb
This Estonian film explores the confusing and bittersweet terrain of first love with sensitivity and restraint. Directed by Estonian duo Katrin and Andres…
This Estonian film explores the confusing and bittersweet terrain of first love with sensitivity and restraint. Directed by Estonian duo Katrin and Andres Maimik, the film follows 17-year-old Laura (Maris Nõlvak), a disaffected small-town girl who stumbles into unexpected emotional territory during a bog hike led by Joosep (Gert Raudsep), a rugged, middle-aged nature guide.What begins as boredom quickly transforms into fascination, as Laura finds herself drawn to Joosep's gruff charm, despite-or perhaps due to-the vast age gap. The filmmakers smartly avoid sensationalism; their portrayal of Laura's sexual awakening is suggestive, not explicit, communicated through small gestures, glances, and sensory cues like the titular scent of cherry tobacco. It's these subtle details-alongside evocative cinematography and a gentle score-that give the film its emotional depth.Though the pacing falters slightly in the middle, the film ultimately succeeds through its grounded characters and naturalistic performances. Nõlvak, in particular, is magnetic, portraying Laura with a raw mix of innocence, yearning, and disillusionment; Raudsep provides a strong counterpoint, never tipping Joosep into predatory territory, but instead embodying a complex figure who leaves a lasting mark on Laura's journey to adulthood.Despite its modest scale, Cherry Tobacco captures something quietly universal about adolescent desire, emotional confusion, and the lessons of unfulfilled love. It doesn't preach or judge, instead trusting its audience to feel their way through the story-just like its protagonist. It's not a must-watch, but it's a worthwhile and emotionally honest film that lingers, like a scent, after the credits roll.
Read full review
★ 7 / 10
6.7/10. Borderline recommendable.
athanasiosze
A coming of age (offbeat) comedy drama, more sweet and far less creepy than it may seems, after reading the synopsis. Biggest quality here is acting…
A coming of age (offbeat) comedy drama, more sweet and far less creepy than it may seems, after reading the synopsis. Biggest quality here is acting, Nolvak/Raudsep and the other actors were very good. It doesn't start strong but minute by minute, it's getting better. Pace was good, it was somewhat interesting and i would say even realistic, i mean, i was totally convinced and empathized with the characters. It's not a glamorous big budget Holywood production but it's not artsy/pretentious either, these characters don't look like caricatures but real people. CHERRY TOBACCO doesn't spoonfed the viewer but it doesn't need either to have a 180 iq in order to understand what is going on, there is no ambiguity, it's a simple story but interesting enough to make you invested.
It's not a MUST WATCH but i am glad i watched it. It's the first Esthonian movie i watch, definitely i could watch more of them from now on.
Read full review
