Closeness

Closeness, a compelling film from the year 2017, projects an intensively real, human-centric narrative that can leave viewers with a lingering impact. Drawn from the personal experiences of Russian director Kantemir Balagov, Closeness is a dramatic feature film that provides a stark, unfiltered exploration of life, familial dynamics, and individual struggle. Set in the tight-knit Jewish community of Nalchik in North Caucasus, Russia in 1998, the film walks you through complex webs of tradition, love, religion, and most importantly, the essence of human freedom. The film digs into an unsung narrative, shifting it from the fringes of obscurity to present it to the audience in its raw, riveting form.

The film centers around Ilana, a young woman played brilliantly by Darya Zhovner, who is an automobile mechanic. Her character is contrary to what is deemed as feminine or orthodox in the community. Zhovner portrays the strong-willed and conflicted protagonist with grit and depth. Her performance breathes life into the character, engaging viewers in her journey. As Ilana navigates her complex existence between her conservative religious family, an unsuitable boyfriend, and a society fraught with prejudice, she embodies the universal human longing for individuality and freedom, offering an emotional insight into her world.

Artem Cipin as Ilana’s boyfriend, Zalim, adds to the narrative, complementing Zhovner's portrayal of Ilana. Zalim, a local Kabardian, holds an equal struggle between his own societal barriers and his love for Ilana. Cipin exhibits his character's conflict beautifully, leaving the audience with a sense of Zalim's strife. Together, Zhovner and Cipin weave their characters’ realities around the greater narrative, delivering potent portrayals.

The film’s plot dramatically shifts when Ilana's brother and his fiancée are abducted for a hefty sum as ransom, threatening to shatter her family. This event pitches Ilana against her family and her own beliefs. Faced with a challenging circumstance, Ilana battles both her personal trials as well as the ancient, suffocating traditions that bind her life.

Nazir Zhukov, playing Ilana’s brother David, gives a limited yet powerful performance. The impact of his adopted faith on his relationship with his family and his subsequent disappearance forms the main narrative thread of the film. His character deepens the emotional subtext of the plot, making for a troubling depiction of familial bonds in a tradition-bound society.

Balagov’s deft storytelling paints a vivid picture of the Jewish community in Nalchik. His authentic representation of the customs, traditions, and the intricacies and issues ingrained in the culture, make the audience empathetically delve into the world of Ilana and her family. The film's narrative encapsulates its central theme - an individual's pursuit to challenge and break free from societal norms - and presents it with unflinching honesty.

Alternating between open defiance and subtle rebellion, Zhovner delivers an indomitable performance as her character strives for personal freedom amid familial obligations and societal expectations. The disturbing realities that Closeness exposes are often hard to digest but crucial to frame an understanding of the story's world.

Closeness's cinematography sets a complementing stage for its cast and narrative. It captures not just the physical world but the psychological and emotional landscapes, highlighting stark contrasts and subdued shades. The film toys with various visual elements, focusing on close-ups and sharp frames to embody very palpable human emotions to capture a world undergoing an inevitable change.

The score is muted yet perfectly captures the tone of each scene and mood of the characters, significantly enhancing the overall cinematic experience. It complements the rhythm of the story, carrying the narrative forward.

As a debut film, Balagov's Closeness demonstrates promising storytelling and distinctive cinematic aesthetics. He brings together a gripping narrative, fine performances, and adept cinematography to create an impactful exploration of humanity. This feature film, although set in a specific cultural background and time period, touches upon universal themes of tradition, love, bondage, and freedom. Closeness is a bold, challenging, and engaging watch and an important addition to cinema that continues to challenge our perceptions of human relations and societal norms.

Closeness is for viewers who appreciate an intimate study of the human condition, a cinematic appreciation of culture, and a nuanced narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seat. With its raw portrayal of societal impositions and human resilience, Closeness offers a gripping cinematic experience.