If the film were merely a hymn to the everyday heroism of the press, it would risk becoming one-dimensional... So it's a good thing Nanau gives some space to a couple of memorable figures who represent different sides of the story.

Collective is eye-opening, elegiac, and essential. It suggests, or at least hopes, that the only thing more powerful than political corruption is the collective voice of those trying to stop it.

This distressing documentary has relevance way beyond Romania, making it a must-watch for awards season and beyond.

Watching Collective is not unlike reading a Michael Crichton page-turner.