Watch Closeness

Closeness is a 2017 drama film, directed by Kantemir Balagov, that tells the story of a young couple's struggle to find hope and meaning amidst the chaos of their lives in contemporary Russia. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its gritty realism and powerful performances by the lead actors.

The film takes place in the early 2000s and follows the life of Ilya (Artem Cipin), a young man living in a small town in Russia. Ilya dreams of leaving his hometown and moving to Moscow, but his plans are disrupted when his younger brother, David (Veniamin Kats), is kidnapped by a local gang. Desperate to save his brother, Ilya turns to his girlfriend, Darya (Olga Dragunova), for help.

As they search for David, Ilya and Darya encounter a world of violence and corruption that threatens to consume them both. Along the way, they must navigate a complex web of relationships – including Ilya's parents, who disapprove of Darya, and a wealthy businessman who may be involved in David's abduction.

What sets Closeness apart from other films is its raw and unflinching look at life in contemporary Russia. Through the eyes of Ilya and Darya, we see a society deeply fractured by economic inequality, political corruption, and violence. However, the film also offers glimpses of hope and resilience, as the couple's determination to save David brings them closer together.

The performances in Closeness are outstanding, particularly those of Artem Cipin and Olga Dragunova. Cipin brings a charismatic intensity to the role of Ilya, capturing both his anger and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Dragunova delivers a nuanced portrayal of Darya, who is both fierce and fragile in her love for Ilya and her desire to help David.

Director Kantemir Balagov also deserves credit for his powerful visual style. The film's cinematography is striking, showcasing the beauty and brutality of the Russian landscape. Balagov is adept at using closeups to convey the characters' emotions and create a sense of intimacy with the audience.

Overall, Closeness is a challenging and thought-provoking film that explores themes of family, love, and survival in a difficult and complex world. While it can be difficult to watch at times, it is ultimately rewarding for those who are willing to engage with its themes and characters.

Closeness is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 53.