The Return (2003)

Russia
Feature Film
Original Title: Возвращение
Director: Andrei Zvyagintsev
Writer: Vladimir Moiseyenko, Aleksandr Novototsky
Cinematographer: Mikhail Krichman
Composer: Andrei Dergachyov
Cast: Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko, Natalya Vdovina

Andrei Zvyagintsev‘s enigmatic, allegorical debut film, set against a bleak and desolate landscape, beautifully photographed by Mikhail Krichman with a palette of greys and blues, revolves around a father’s (Konstantin Lavronenko) return home after an absence of twelve years, and the subsequent road trip he takes with his two sons. The eldest son, Andrei (Vladimir Garin) hangs on his every word, but the youngest son, Ivan (the remarkable Ivan Dobronravov) is more wary. A beautiful and moving exploration of familial relationships, conflict and fear.