Watch Meteora

Meteora, a Greek drama-romance film released in 2012, tells the story of two young people who live in a small, isolated community in the mountains of central Greece. The two main characters, Theo (Theo Alexander) and Vasilis (Giorgos Karakantas), are monks-in-training at Greek Orthodox monasteries located in the region. They are both devoted to a life of celibacy, asceticism, and prayer.

One day, while on a pilgrimage to visit different monasteries, Theo and Vasilis meet each other, and they begin to develop a deep connection that challenges their religious convictions. Theo is from England, and he's used to a more liberal lifestyle than what he experiences in Greece. However, he seems to find peace in the strictures of the monastery, while Vasilis has lived in Greece all his life and is a devoted, life-long monk-in-training.

The film showcases the stunning monasteries and landscapes of central Greece, including the Meteora monastery. The characters go through a lot of soul-searching and reflection, trying to understand the nature of their faith and desires in a world where they feel disconnected.

As their friendship deepens into romance, they face challenges that threaten to tear them apart. They feel ostracized from their community, which avoids and isolates them. This puts them in a difficult position, as they struggle to reconcile their love with their religious calling.

In addition to the inner-struggles of Theo and Vasilis, the movie also touches on broader themes, including the gap between traditional and modern ways of life in Greece, the role of religion in contemporary society, and the importance of personal freedom.

Theo's disconnection from his previous lifestyle makes him at odds with Vasilis and his unswerving dedication to his monastic life, highlighting a growing divide within the community. The film opens a window on this seldom-explored aspect of Greek society, where people feel disconnected from their religious beliefs as life changes take place.

As the story progresses, Theo is faced with a difficult decision to make: should he stay true to his religious convictions or follow his heart, even if it leads him away from his vocation? Vasilis, on the other hand, is struggling with his desire for physical intimacy versus his love for the monastic way of life.

The film is an exploration of the human condition at its most vulnerable, and the emotions it evokes are powerful and raw. The acting is superb, with the actors bringing nuanced and subtle performances that make the characters and their struggles believable and real.

Meteora, directed by Spiros Stathoulopoulos, is a beautiful and thought-provoking movie that examines the intersection of faith and personal desire. It offers a glimpse into a world few of us have experienced, opening our eyes to some of the complexities of living a religious life in the contemporary world.