Before the Bat's Flight Is Done


Before the Bat's Flight Is Done is a 1989 Hungarian drama film directed by Péter Tímár. It was entered into the 39th Berlin International Film Festival.

Summary

A teenager named Robi lives in a gloomy apartment building in Budapest with only his mother. His father left them when he was still a child and started a new life in Switzerland. The boy is withdrawn and quiet, finding it difficult to connect with his surroundings due to his sensitivity. He also struggles to find common ground with his mother, as she has a very different nature, working as a cashier.
The routine of their broken family is disrupted when a man named Laci appears. Confident and charming, Laci quickly wins over Robi's mother and soon moves in with them. He persistently tries to befriend the distant boy, but it soon becomes evident that his intentions are far from innocent. Laci is sexually attracted to Robi.
Though the mother initially throws Laci out, she later takes him back. In her shattered state of mind, she feels that this relationship might be her last chance for happiness. Tragically, she asks Robi not to reject Laci's advances, believing it would allow them all to stay together. Unable to bear the situation, the boy runs away from home, but the terrible tragedy is inevitable.

Cast