1945, Leningrad. World War II has devastated the city, demolishing its buildings and leaving its citizens in tatters, physically and mentally. Two young women, Iya and Masha, search for meaning and hope in the struggle to rebuild their lives amongst the ruins.

After his shockingly powerful Closeness, this searing war drama from Russian wunderkind Kantemir Balagov grabbed us by the throat. An entrancing immersion into post-war turmoil, this towering ode to women’s resilience stuns with its tour-de-force performances and jaw-dropping use of color.