Closing this Thursday, December 4th

Exclusively at the IFI

Acclaimed filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev has established himself as a significant presence in world cinema with films such as The Return (2003), The Banishment (2007) and Elena (2011). Winner of the best screenplay award at Cannes this year, Leviathan is his most ambitious film to date, dazzling in its scope and daring. Referencing the Bible story of Job, it concerns Kolya, a mechanic working in a small town who refuses to sell his land and business to a bullying mayor.

Kolya brings in a friend from Moscow, looking for support in the face of aggression, but this has unforeseen consequences. Inspired by real life events, the film has drawn comparisons with Tarkovsky and with classical Russian literature. Leviathan stands as a provocative, powerful allegory for modern Russia, a depiction of a corrupt, broken and brutal society where common decency counts for nothing. (Notes by Michael Hayden.)

Reviews:

“This Russian retelling the story of Job is impressive film-making on a grand scale” ★★★★★ The Guardian

“An uneasy allegory on modern Russia” ★★★★ The Irish Times

“From the director of Elena, The Banishment and The Return, Leviathan is the busiest and most accessible film Andrey Zvyaginstev has produced.” ★★★★ Entertainment.ie

“It’s acted and made with the utmost skill, and boasts a smart script to boot.” ★★★★ Scannain

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