LOVELESS

LOVELESS

This powerful multi-award winning film from Russia showcases the devastating effect divorce has on a child and asks, can lovelessness be passed on from one generation to the next?

Boris (Alexey Rozin) and Zhenya (Maryana Spivak) are going through the process of a bitter divorce and it’s only the sale of their apartment which is keeping them together. Their 12 year old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov) is being adversely affected by the intense anger and hatred his parents have for each another. One night he vanishes and the question is raised, did he run away to escape the problems at home or was he kidnapped?

The film initially explores the couple’s newfound relationships and their loveless nature towards each other and their son. The story then transforms into a mystery once the child is reported missing.

Astute direction by acclaimed director Andrey Zvyagintsev where he also effectively incorporates long shots of freezing wintry landscapes and desolate school yards to create compelling metaphors for the barrenness in this family’s life makes spellbinding viewing.

The conclusion to this film which also resonates the slow decay of society, may leave audiences with more questions than answers, but should more importantly serve as a cautionary tale. (MMo)

★★★★

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.