Family Instinct

“Family Instinct” explores the theme of incest, a forbidden act that defies legal, social, and religious boundaries. The story centers on Zanda, a 28-year-old woman exhausted by relentless labor. Living in a desolate Latvian village, she struggles to make ends meet for herself and her two children amidst poverty and hopelessness. Her troubles stem from her relationship with her brother, Valdis. When Valdis is incarcerated, the community pressures her to make a tough decision: remain loyal to him or prioritize her children. Despite her misfortunes, Zanda continues to show love for her children, clinging to the hope of keeping her family intact. The film provides a tragicomic yet deeply genuine portrayal of the harsh realities faced in rural Latvia today.