Opening with a quote from Nietzsche ‘there is also some madness in love, but there is is some reason in madness’ this timely narrative about how extreme homophobia is in Russia is a saddening tale about the price of being gay (and in love) in that country.Anton and his boyfriend Vlad are driving through Moscow one evening when they witness some thugs beating up a man which looks to them like another gay bashing. Anton wants to stop and help but Vlad, sensing that the roughnecks would turn on them too, insists in driving on.
Next day they learn from the TV news that the man is the latest victim in a whole spate of hate crimes in the city, and he is now dying. Anton resolves to get to the bottom of the matter when the Police refuse to investigate. To them its just another dead faggot, so the case is closed. So a very determined Anton, a fervent LGBT activist, turns into an amateur sleuth, and Vlad, somewhat reluctantly, tags along. Vlad worries that if they get in too deep they will put themselves in danger too, and it will also put an enormous strain on their relationship.
Vlad is right to be concerned as in the current heinous climate that has flourished after President Putin’s new punitive anti-gay laws, there cannot possibly be a good outcome at all with this scenario.
The movie ….. like Anton’s role…. is a brave attempt to enlighten the world that whilst so much of it may be currently celebrating its new earned equality, being gay in Russia literally means taking your own life in your hands every single day. Director Jonathan Taieb (a Frenchman) has added a slightly odd narration that is quick to philosophize on society’s morals and propaganda. It really is not that necessary, for in this very compelling movie with its heartbreaking tale, the pictures talk so much louder than words.
