In the air of the Georgian city of Kutaisi—one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world—both summer romance and the excitement surrounding the World Cup are in the air. After two chance encounters, pharmacist Lisa and soccer player Georgy’s plans for a first date fall apart—both of their appearances magically change, and now they can’t recognize each other. Will the young couple meet again?

Koberidze’s attention is drawn not only to people and their romantic experiences. In the director’s world, rain gutters can speak, and surveillance cameras possess consciousness. The city’s bridges and parks, trees, the Rioni River, schoolyards, kebab shops, and street cafés are transformed in the film into unique, metaphysical spaces. Animals are no less important to Koberidze. The camera lingers for a long time on stray dogs and other furry inhabitants of Kutaisi, whom the director treats as full-fledged characters experiencing their own little miracles—such as the desire to watch the World Cup in the company of people.

This unique contemporary fairy tale plays with familiar cinematic conventions, subverting the traditional structure of a love story and gradually transforming into a grand, poetic “urban symphony.” Koberidze’s approach—with its unhurried narrative, sparse dialogue, and enchanting music, combined with simple, clear imagery reminiscent of early cinema—becomes an ode to the magic of everyday life.

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