Dearest Daughter

Veronika grew up without a father: twenty years ago, he abandoned her mother, a provincial girl who was seven months pregnant. During premature labor, her mother died. Veronika was raised by her aunt, who, once her niece was grown, revealed the truth: her father’s name is Fyodor Slavyanov, a scientist and head of a large research institute, now living in Moscow. Determined to find him and avenge her mother’s death, Veronika sets out for the capital. She takes a job as a maid in her father’s house and, suppressing her own nature, begins a “guerrilla campaign,” carefully nurturing her hatred for the “scoundrel.” In the absence of fatherly love, she tries at least to provoke a response of hatred. But then, into the family home arrives Fyodor’s son with his wife Marina — Vladimir…

Directed by Jafar Akhundzade, Dearest Daughter leans on a strong ensemble — Evgeniya Loza, Ivan Zhidkov, Anna Begunova — 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 2011.