loveless (2018)

Original Title: Nelyubov

A BROKEN HOME LEADS TO BREAKING POINT

Divorce is a toxic and brutal subject matter, even more so when there is a child involved. It’s not a new category to be featured on the big screen, however; director Andrey Zvyagintsev has approached it in a surprising way that deals with mystery and political undercurrents. It’s a very strong film filled with a dreary tone and grim atmosphere that will shake you to your core.

Our story follows the lives of Boris (Aleksey Rozin) and Zhenya (Maryana Spivak) a married couple who still live together despite the fact that they are at the final stages of a nasty divorce. Caught in the middle of all this is their 12-year-old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov), the young boy falls to sleep every night listening to his parents spit venom at each other whilst also trying to shift custody on to each other rather than fighting for it. As a result of this, Alyosha seems to have run away, now the parents must put aside their differences and find their son.

Zvyagintsev doesn’t shy away from the pure sorrow and disconnect that we often experience in today’s society. Self-centered personalities run riot and its ever so evident in our married leads Boris and Zhenya. Zvyagintsev does a masterful job of unraveling these characters as the story proceeds until eventually, you feel a slight understanding towards them. It’s a compelling character study, one that portrays the truly harrowing existence our society is capable of whilst also displaying the good side through the use of the search party volunteers.

Loveless isn’t for everyone, its slow pace and distressing tone are sure to put some people off. However; if you can muster up the strength to sit through this painful story you will certainly be rewarded with an experience you’ll never forget. This is the reason we watch films, we want to feel something, even if it is physically and mentally agonising.  

★★★★☆

19 DECEMBER 2018