Berlin, Germany – A new documentary, A Russian Winter, premiered at the Berlinale film festival this week, offering a stark and intimate portrayal of young Russians grappling with the fallout of the invasion of Ukraine. The film, directed by Austrian filmmaker Patric Chiha, follows four individuals who have left Russia, navigating a sense of displacement and uncertainty in cities like Istanbul and Paris.
The documentary avoids overt political pronouncements, instead focusing on the deeply personal struggles of its subjects. Chiha’s film centers on Yuri and Margarita, two friends whose conversations form the emotional core of the narrative. Their discussions, initially staged in minimalist surroundings, reveal a profound sense of homesickness and a disconnect from their homeland, even as they acknowledge the impossibility of returning under the current political climate. As one subject describes himself, they are “vagrants” in a new world.
The film’s visual language mirrors the emotional state of its protagonists. Early scenes are characterized by stark monochromatic colors and the cold, impersonal architecture of modern cities. This aesthetic, according to reviews, creates an “alienating” and “hostile” environment, reflecting the sense of isolation experienced by those who have chosen exile. However, as the narrative progresses, Chiha introduces more natural light and outdoor settings, symbolizing a tentative attempt to find footing in their new surroundings.
A Russian Winter also touches upon the generational divide within Russian society. Yuri and Margarita reflect on the differing perspectives of their parents, who, having been shaped by decades of state-controlled narratives, hold vastly different views on the war and the Russian government. The film subtly highlights the human cost of the conflict, noting that the subjects are in their late 20s or early 30s, suggesting the war is claiming a generation of young Russian men.
The documentary’s strength lies in its artistic merit and its willingness to present a nuanced portrait of a complex situation. However, some critics have noted that the film’s deliberate pacing and lack of direct interrogation of its subjects can feel monotonous. The conversations, while emotionally resonant, occasionally become repetitive, leaving the viewer wanting a deeper exploration of the issues at hand. A more conventional documentary approach, with direct interviews, might have yielded more explicit insights, but Chiha deliberately chose to convey the emotional journey through visual storytelling.
The film’s release comes as the war in Ukraine continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape and trigger a significant exodus of Russians opposed to the conflict. , the New York Times reported on the reluctance of many Russian émigrés to return home, even in the event of a peace agreement. This sentiment underscores the deep-seated distrust of the Putin regime and the profound changes that have taken place within Russian society since the invasion began.
The decision to leave Russia is presented in the film not as a simple rejection of the country, but as a painful and difficult choice forced upon individuals by an unjust war, the threat of imprisonment, or the desire for a life free from political repression. The film implicitly asks a difficult question: what would anyone choose when faced with such limited and undesirable options?
While not Chiha’s most forceful work, A Russian Winter offers a compelling and empathetic glimpse into the lives of those caught in the crosscurrents of a major geopolitical crisis. It’s a portrait of human struggle, resilience, and the enduring search for belonging in a world increasingly defined by conflict and displacement. The film leaves “enough to admire as a portrait of human struggle in the face of worse options,” according to one review.
The film’s premiere at the Berlinale underscores the growing international interest in the human consequences of the war in Ukraine and the plight of those who have been forced to flee their homes. It serves as a reminder that beyond the headlines and political maneuvering, there are individual stories of loss, longing, and the search for a future.
