After losing their livelihood in a village, a Kosovar family is forced to move to the capital in pursuit of a place in a hypercapitalist society.

Shame and Money is a finely crafted portrait of hardworking people striving for a decent life while navigating relentless pressures and chronic instability. Shaban, a traditional head of the household, wants to be the provider, yet his mother’s savings keep the family afloat, and accepting help from a wealthy brother-in-law comes with additional challenges. With his pride steadily bruised and dignity slipping out of reach, Shaban drifts closer to an unseen edge — raising the question of how much more he can possibly endure.

Director Visar Morina (Exile, 2020 Sundance Film Festival) approaches this complex story with great precision and confidence. Shame and Money is a masterclass in nuanced performances, especially from leads Astrit Kabashi and Flonja Kodheli, who inhabit Shaban and his wife, Hatixhe, with grace, empathy, and deep humanity. — AT