Ward No. 6

Simultaneously nihilistic and heartening, Ward No. 6 is based on a story by Chekov, in which a psychiatric doctor becomes a patient in his own asylum. Updated to contemporary Russia, the film is a cocktail of anxieties and riddles, showcasing how easy it is to become what we fear most.

Directed by Karen Shakhnazarov, Aleksandr Gornovsky, Ward No. 6 leans on a strong ensemble — Vladimir Ilin, Aleksey Vertkov, Aleksandr Pankratov-Chyornyy — 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 2009.