Sanda Codreanu

Sanda Codreanu, if you’ve been paying attention to the European indie scene, her name probably rings a bell. Not exactly a household name (yet), but she’s racked up a handful of films that feel way more memorable than your run-of-the-mill festival fare. Let’s start with “The Balconettes” (2024)—that one’s still fresh, and people haven’t stopped talking. It’s got that weirdly magnetic energy, and Sanda? She’s basically the glue holding the whole thing together. The story bounces between quirky, offbeat neighbors and their chaotic lives, and her performance somehow makes the madness feel relatable—like, you know those people, you’ve been those people. She popped up in “Mi iubita, mon amour” back in 2021, which—if you missed it—was this dreamy, almost feverish road trip movie. Not your average romance, let’s put it that way. There’s love, sure, but it’s tangled up in uncertainty and longing, and Sanda’s character just radiates that restless, can’t-sit-still vibe. You watch her and think, “Yeah, I’ve been there.” The film’s got this hazy, sunburnt look, and she fits right in—messy hair, wild decisions, heartbreak and hope all in one package. And then “Le ciel attendra” (2016). That one hits way harder. It’s all about young women caught in the web of radicalization, and Sanda’s role—though not front and center—is haunting. She brings a raw, nervous energy that lingers way after the credits roll. Not a popcorn flick, more like something that sticks in your head and makes you rethink a few things. Bottom line: Sanda Codreanu isn’t here for your average roles. She’s got an edge, a pulse, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll notice.