Conditioned Reflexes

Returning from another day of work at the vivarium, laboratory assistant Julia finds out that her husband wants to get a divorce, because the only thread that sealed their marriage is the mortgage paid. For Julia, her husband's decision is a surprise. She was sure that everything was fine with them, just like everyone else. Yulia wants to glue their relationship together by taking care of Oleg as her wards in the vivarium. Her goal is to form conditioned reflexes in her husband.

Directed by Anna Fradkina, Conditioned Reflexes leans on a strong ensemble — Marina Manych, Sergey Galakhov, Ekaterina Efimova — 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 2024.