The Soldier

The hero of the Russian-Ukrainian war has a classic manifestation of post-traumatic syndrome. Uncontrolled emotional manifestations, isolation, hallucinations, no one wants to have anything to do with him. No one needs him: neither the state nor his relatives. To no one, except the manager of the boarding house. The Soldier's case was of particular interest to a government official who suddenly arrived at the boarding house. After all, the boy's visions are not just hallucinations, they are omens and help to find out the fate of other missing soldiers. It turns out that this civil servant has his own pain that he hides. Oddly enough, the life destinies of these different people unexpectedly intersect.

Directed by Danyl Dedkov, The Soldier leans on a strong ensemble — Pavlo Shpehun, Serhii Denha, Sergey Kalantay — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.