Plot synopsis

The central character of Zvyagintsev’s new film is a middle-aged woman named Elena. She leads a calm, prosperous life in her cozy apartment. In the evenings, she watches television serials, while her husband Vladimir, who prefers to watch sporting events, sleeps in their lavish bedroom next door. In the morning, they meet over breakfast and trade perfunctory small talk. Elena’s only problem is her unemployed alcoholic son. He lives with his family in a poor building complex on the outskirts of the city – and he always needs money. Once a month, Elena goes to visit her grandchildren and give her son some cash. Elena’s husband, meanwhile, has no intention of forking over his money. He barely has the patience for his wife, who so readily gives her pension to her son. One day, Vladimir has a heart attack and the issue of inheritance comes up. Elena develops a plan to save her son, which changes this gentle, likeable woman beyond recognition.
Source Action_Berlinale_02-2011

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