Watch My Joy

My Joy is a 2010 Russian drama film directed by Sergey Loznitsa. The movie is set in contemporary Russia and follows the story of a truck driver named Georgy (Viktor Nemets) who is transporting cargo across the country. During his journey, he encounters a series of peculiar incidents and characters that add to his struggles. Georgy is a mild-mannered man who is dedicated to his job and takes pride in his work. However, he is faced with a lot of difficulties during his journey, and the film explores the psychological toll that this takes on him. The director uses Georgy's story to explore the themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the chaos of modern Russian society.

The film is divided into three sections, each of which is designed to take the viewer deeper into Georgy's character and showcase different aspects of Russian society. The first section presents us with Georgy's story as he travels through the countryside towards his destination. This section is characterised by its scenic shots of the rural landscape and the many characters who cross Georgy's path. It offers a glimpse into the daily life of rural people in Russia and the problems they face.

The second section takes place in a small village, where Georgy meets a group of enigmatic inhabitants who lead him on a surreal journey. This section feels like a fairy tale, with its mysterious characters and dreamlike quality. It explores the theme of spirituality and the idea that there is more to life than meets the eye.

The final part of the film is perhaps the most jarring, as it takes us into a nightmarish world inhabited by thieves, corrupt policemen, and violent criminals. Georgy is caught up in a web of violence and crime that seems almost impossible to escape. This section is particularly intense, and the violence depicted is disturbing and realistic.

Throughout the film, the director uses a range of cinematic techniques to immerse the viewer in Georgy's experiences. The camera often lingers on extreme close-ups of Georgy's face, giving us a sense of his emotions and inner turmoil. The use of handheld cameras and long takes also adds to the film's sense of realism, making it feel almost like a documentary at times.

Overall, My Joy is a thought-provoking film that offers a stark and raw depiction of modern Russian society. The film's exploration of themes such as loneliness, spirituality, and violence is subtle and nuanced, making it an engaging watch for those who enjoy character-driven dramas. The performances of the main cast - Viktor Nemets, Vladimir Golovin, and Aleksey Vertkov - are all excellent and add to the film's overall sense of authenticity. Fans of slow burn dramas with a strong sense of atmosphere are sure to appreciate My Joy.

My Joy is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 81.