Brothers Mitya and Andrey want nothing more than to conquer the skies flying jets. To achieve this, they undergo Russian military pilot training. The twins watch out for each other – in every situation. If one fails a theory test, the other steps in. In practical exercises, it is the other way around: when Mitya’s vestibular system falters, Andrey assists him in his training. Cutting the cord becomes a challenge: the aptitude test is coming up and the accompanying test flights turn out to be an extreme experience for everyone. Their flight instructor (also a pilot in real life) is not the only one to recognise that adhesive forces of a different kind prevail between the brothers.
In his debut film, A Russian Youth, Alexander Zolotukhin surprised us with detailed depictions of technical practices in the military that push people to their psychophysical limits. Having opted for alienating grainy images and a historical setting in that film, his new work sees him stylistically expanding his spectrum to land in the present day, with a topic that is no less universal. His heroes are delicate beings with balance problems in a world that cries out for toughness. A now-rare example of Russian cinematic pacifism that is especially relevant at the moment.
https://www.berlinale.de/en