Until the Day Ends Review: Jelena Maksimović’s Serbian Youth Drama Bridges a Political Divide Amid Belgrade Protests

Variety · 2026-10-27
Until the Day Ends Review: Jelena Maksimović’s Serbian Youth Drama Bridges a Political Divide Amid Belgrade Protests

Set against the backdrop of mass student protests in Belgrade, Jelena Maksimović’s 'Until the Day Ends' follows two young people from opposing political camps who are brought together by a rash act of rebellion. The film explores how their connection challenges their outwardly incompatible ideologies, moving beyond a simplistic political parable to examine the messy, human need for understanding in times of upheaval. Maksimović’s direction captures the raw energy of the protests while grounding the story in intimate moments between the leads, whose chemistry underscores the possibility of empathy across deep divisions. The drama resonates beyond Serbia, offering a timely meditation on youth, activism, and the fragile bridges built in the midst of conflict. As the day ends, the question lingers: can such connections survive beyond the streets?