Title: Beanpole
Year: 2019
Rating: 7.1
Cast: Viktoriya Miroshnichenko, Vasilisa Perelygina, Konstantin Balakirev, Kseniya Kutepova, Olga Dragunova
Description: The lingering scent of trauma clings to every frame of Kantemir Balagov's "Beanpole," a film that transcends the horrors of war to explore the insidious nature of its aftermath. This isn't a war movie in the traditional sense; it's a visceral examination of fractured psyches and the impossible burden of survival. Two women, Iya and Masha, grapple with the invisible wounds inflicted by Leningrad's siege, their bond tested by grief, guilt, and a desperate clinging to fragile hope. Balagov's masterful direction uses stunning visuals and unsettling silences to communicate the depth of their suffering, leaving a profound and unsettling impact long after the credits roll. The film's power lies not in grand pronouncements, but in the quiet desperation etched onto the faces of its unforgettable characters. "Beanpole" isn't easy viewing, but it’s a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling, a haunting testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.