Manipulation

This thriller centers on a powerful elite society that maintains hidden control over political institutions and the Church throughout Europe. Matteo, a lifelong member of this group, discovers the dark mechanisms of the organization after receiving a promotion. As he witnesses disturbing activities, he begins investigating the society with the help of Anna and her father, Juraj, who belongs to a rival religious order. Matteo eventually seeks to expose the truth by sharing his knowledge with an investigative journalist named Ivan, realizing he is trapped in a fanatical system of manipulation.

The film was directed by David Balda, who also served as a producer and co-writer alongside Markéta Hrubešová and Vladimir Koubelec. It is a joint production from Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic produced by Balda Film. The ensemble cast includes Paweł Ławrynowicz, Féodor Atkine, Heino Ferch, James Faulkner, Arnaud Binard, and Paweł Deląg, with 22 credited actors in total. Released on May 14, 2026, the movie has a runtime of 116 minutes and blends elements of drama and suspense.