I Won't Come Back
Directed by Ilmar Raag
Starring Andrey Astrakhantsev, Olga Belinskaya, Vika Lobacheva, Galina Mochalova and Yuriy Orlov
Anya, a young academic raised in an orphanage, is on the cusp of success when she’s accused of drug possession. While in limbo hiding from the police, she hits the road with Kristina, another orphan several years Anya’s junior, in search of her possibly mythical grandmother.
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Reviews
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★★★½ review by Tasha Robinson on Letterboxd
Painfully effective character study involving a young woman and a child, both raised in orphanages, both painfully needy, both surprisingly hardened for their age, and both reluctantly on a road trip together after their situations deteriorate. The acting is spectacular, the scripting a little more shady, particularly a baffling late-film development that comes out of nowhere and doesn't even rise to the level of melodrama, so much as it's simply inexplicable. Before that, though, this is a terrific film about girls, relationships, and abandonment, and how pain and loneliness can draw some people into cynicism, while making others more open and willing to accept any crumb of affection. Even when it's problematic, it's memorable.
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★★★★★ review by Tom Samaroden on Letterboxd
A touching and unconventional road-movie about a young woman who goes on a journey with a thirteen year-old girl to Kazakhstan to see the young girl's grandma. I think what struck me the most, besides the strange yet deep bond that Anya, the woman, and Kristina, the girl, share is how kind the people are who help these two travelers along. The movie is sad, but beautiful, especially the cinematography. I'm sure this will be a movie that sticks with me for a long time.
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★★★★ review by Fabian Gamarra on Letterboxd
As a traveler and filmmaker this movie made me remember many situations when I was by myself while traveling. Sometimes the loneliness can only be treated by the unknown people we met on the road and what they have to tell us. Strong characters and a good plot so you should watch it.
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★★★★ review by SidneyLumetSuxx on Letterboxd
BuT wHat hAPp3nS nExT??
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★★★★½ review by Rus Ekkel on Letterboxd
While some of the symbolism is a little forced, and there's a slightly unbelievable plot contrivance, this is a handsomely-made and touching drama as an orphaned young woman takes to the road.
The lead actress puts in a sympathetic performance (though seems a little young for the role she plays) and there is some lovely cinematography.
A gem!(viewed on MUBI)
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