The Smell of the Field

Kolya is 8 years old. He lives in a troubled family: exhausted by his daily routine, his mother abuses alcohol and is prone to nervous breakdowns; stepfather allows himself domestic violence. In addition to Kolya’s family, he has a friend, Misha, and their common hiding place – a field where you can hang out and lie in the fragrant grass, dream of another life and make wishes while planes land nearby. Kolya’s main dream is that his mother would stop drinking.

Directed by Andriana Yarmonova, The Smell of the Field leans on a strong ensemble — Nikon Fedotov, Timofey Dmitrienko, Olesya Vlasova — 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 2021.