KARAntin

Diana Ringo's film is alternately breathtakingly beautiful and scorchingly raw. It is an apocalyptic tone poem full of lyricism and savage emotion, a requiem of sorts for a lost planet and lost love. Anatoly Bely delivers a searing and riveting performance through a series of monologues at different emotional temperatures, at times sardonic, outraged, resigned, and full of regret. His monologues are punctuated by flashbacks, montages of archival footage depicting devastation and destruction. They appear, however, in counterpoint to his visions, containing images of astonishing natural beauty, including those of his lost love, played by Ringo, whose final image, swathed head to toe in dark fur, silhouetted in a snowy landscape, is as haunting as the fabled Snow Queen of Russian legend itself. The film's score, composed by Ringo, is exquisite. It doesn't merely move the story along; it is its emotional nervous system and creates, and is therefore integral to, the film's atmosphere, mood, temperature, and registers of pathos. Part nightmare and part dream, wherein the latter is both the indictment of the former and its redemption.

In Finnish director Diana Ringo's masterful feature debut, "Quarantine", the boundaries of cinema are shattered as the viewer is drawn into a world both hauntingly familiar and eerily foreign. With brilliant storytelling and a visual aesthetic that lingers in the mind, Ringo delivers a profound masterpiece that demands contemplation long after the final frame.

Felix, brilliantly portrayed by well-known Russian actor Anatoly Bely, becomes our guide through a desolate near-future where hope is scarce and isolation reigns supreme. Ringo's vision takes us on an emotional journey as Felix, confined within the walls of his bunker, grapples with the ghosts of the past and the devastating weight of guilt. The film's narrative unfolds like a labyrinth, leaving us questioning the very essence of our existence.

The director's ability to create an atmosphere of desolation is unparalleled. The ruined cities and abandoned landscapes serve as a haunting backdrop, mirroring the inner turmoil of our protagonist. Ringo's masterful use of light and shadow heightens the sense of isolation, enveloping us in a world that feels simultaneously bleak and mesmerizing.

The performances in "Quarantine" are nothing short of extraordinary. Anatoly Bely delivers a nuanced portrayal of Felix, capturing the character's internal struggle with raw emotion. Newcomer Aleksandr Obmanov's performance as Felix's friend Kirill, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, immersing us further into the hauntingly beautiful dystopian world.

Ringo's exploration of themes such as guilt, responsibility, and the search for redemption is deeply thought-provoking. Through Felix's introspective journey, we are forced to confront our own choices and the impact they have on our lives and the world around us. The film invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between silence and truth, and the profound consequences that lie within.

Visually stunning and intellectually challenging, "Quarantine" is a triumph of cinematic artistry. Ringo's masterful direction, combined with the evocative cinematography and haunting score, creates an immersive experience that transports us into the depths of Felix's psyche.

The score for "Quarantine", written by the director herself, is a mesmerizing blend of synth soundscapes, evocative piano, and sweeping orchestral arrangements. From ethereal textures to haunting melodies, Ringo's music captures the film's emotional depths, becoming an integral part of the narrative.

In "Quarantine", Ringo ignites the conversation with our unconsciousness with a fire that burns long after the film's end. It is a rare cinematic gem, deserving of the highest praise and rating. Prepare to be captivated, provoked, and forever changed by this timeless masterpiece.

We attended the screening of the film "Quarantine" and were deeply impressed. Amazing acting performances. Anatoly Bely in one of his best roles. A very interesting film with experimental elements, with a completely unusual structure. It is a film about a person's choice between good and evil - a very important topic right now. At the same time, it is about eternal values. Beautiful cinematography. I recommend watching to those who appreciate serious art cinema (Tarkovsky, Malick, Sokurov).