This film screened on 8th December 2018.

An auteur of the same generation as directors such as Krzysztof Kieślowski and Jerzy Skolimowski, Krzysztof Zanussi’s films tend to examine questions of morality and individual choice. Set in the early twentieth century, Ether begins with a mannered yet sinister doctor (Jacek Poniedziałek) accidentally murdering a beautiful young patient he had planned to sexually assault after rendering her unconscious with the titular drug. Fleeing the scene, he takes a post as a military medic in a remote outpost where he persuades his commanding officer to allow him to begin experiments with ether that he believes will increase soldiers’ stamina and endurance. Imbued with contemporary relevance, Zanussi’s epistemological examination of empiricism and theology makes for thought-provoking viewing.

Please note that only persons 18 years and over will be admitted to this screening.