Leviathan

A calamitous and utterly bleak modernization of the book of Job backdropped by the equally as dismal sociopolitical climate of Russia. Zvyagintsev is at his slowest and most deliberate here, but this isn’t necessarily bad because many seemingly insignificant plot points established early on eventually culminate into an explosively devastating resolution. The pacing also helps set the film’s strongest component, its cold and dejected atmosphere. This masterfully idiosyncratic and minimal ambiance meshes perfectly with authentic performances to drive forward the impact and grandeur of the film’s biblical themes. All around, Leviathan is superbly written and crafted, with a quiet yet resounding atmosphere that immerses you in Zvyagintsev’s vision of a life without God. 90/100