Review: ‘Elena’

Winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes 2011, this compelling family drama offers a stark portrayal of capitalist Russia.

Elena and Vladimir married late in life. Both have adult children from previous marriages. They are from very different financial backgrounds and, as the marriage continues, this begins to cause friction. Elena’s son is unemployed and unable to take care of his family. His constant pleas for money are causing Elena angst because it’s Vladimir who has the money and he begrudges having to spend it on someone he feels has nothing to do with him.

When Vladimir has a heart attack, he re-evaluates his life and reconnects with the daughter he hasn’t been close to for years. When he decides to rewrite his will to make Katya the beneficiary, Elena fears for her own future and that of her son and decides to take matters into her own hands.

The film makers choose not to confront the numerous moral questions raised by the film, or to pursue the consequences of the characters’ decisions. Yet there is deep compassion for the characters and an understanding of the often irrational and unpredictable nature of human interactions.

The performances are natural and beautifully subtle. As Elena, Markina is particularly fine. This is not a simple film and it offers nothing in the way of pat solutions or tidy resolutions. And it’s this that makes it so edgy and riveting. It’s not fast moving by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re willing to put in the time, it’s well worth the effort.

7/10