Balagov, who studied under his coproducer, Aleksandr Sokurov (though their styles differ), has picked a fresh milieu, a vivacious character and an actress with verve, and proves he has an eye for dynamic framing (maybe even too meticulous, but it gets our attention). The film has already earned him plaudits in French papers (and the French seal of approval: a comparison to James Gray). All that remains is to see what he and Zhovner do next.
Nicolas Rapold
July 3, 2017