“Conjecture” is a film about a gay couple running a corner shop in Budapest, Hungary, confronted by some tourists and their prejudice against their lifestyle.
Production title: “Conjecture”
Writer/Producer: Hugo Lunny
Genre: Drama
Format: Feature film
Synopsis: After a drunken night, tourist Rufus Lewis stumbles into Vadász Kurucz’ expansive corner shop looking for something to continue his and his lady’s drunken state, and some form of snack. It’s very early in the morning and the store is empty.
The initial interaction between the shopkeeper and his customers is cordial but the customers loiter.
After hearing the American ask for something and butcher the Hungarian language in the process, Vadász and his husband, Jeremy Oka, feel comfortable enough that their customers are normal and accepting and share a discreet kiss, which is witnessed.
Vadász kisses both of his children on the forehead and hears Rufus’ loud grunts of repulsion and scoffs of disgust, and reacts.
He insists Jeremy take the children out of sight before angrily confronting Rufus. Both vow to punish the other in a much greater way.
Logline: A bigoted tourist’s drunken late-night visit to a corner shop leads to a confrontation with the shopkeeper and a huge escalation.
Tagline: Judge your own life.
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“Conjecture” unfolds amidst the enchanting backdrop of Budapest, Hungary, offering viewers a compelling narrative about a gay couple who run a corner shop and are forced to confront prejudice when faced with a bigoted tourist’s late-night visit. This film takes a gripping and thought-provoking look at the clash between differing worldviews and the explosive escalation that can result from unchecked bias.
At its core, “Conjecture” delves into the complexities of human prejudice and the consequences of intolerance. The story revolves around the gay couple, whose peaceful life is suddenly disrupted by a group of tourists harboring prejudice against their lifestyle. This clash of values and beliefs becomes the catalyst for a high-stakes confrontation that challenges both sides to reevaluate their assumptions.
The film invites viewers to examine the power of empathy and understanding in the face of bigotry. As the tension escalates between the shopkeepers and the tourists, it becomes clear that the root of the conflict lies in a lack of understanding and empathy. “Conjecture” underscores the importance of open dialogue and the potential for transformation when individuals from different backgrounds are willing to listen and learn from one another.
Budapest, with its picturesque streets and rich cultural heritage, serves as an evocative setting for the unfolding drama. The city’s beauty contrasts sharply with the ugliness of prejudice, highlighting the dissonance between the tourists’ closed-mindedness and the open-hearted spirit of the Hungarian capital.
“Conjecture” is a poignant exploration of the power of standing up against prejudice. The film portrays the gay couple’s unwavering determination to defend their dignity and right to live openly, challenging stereotypes and prejudice head-on. In doing so, it sends a powerful message about the resilience of marginalized communities in the face of discrimination.
Ultimately, “Conjecture” urges viewers to confront their own biases and prejudices. It calls for introspection and empathy, reminding us of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering understanding in a world that often grapples with intolerance. The film’s climax underscores the urgency of addressing prejudice before it spirals into destructive confrontations.