Film explores internal and external monsters
Andreï Zviaguintsev's new film Minotaure examines the idea that the monster one fights externally may be a reflection of the one harbored internally. The film is set to represent France at the 2027 Oscars and delves into themes of personal and national conflict.Setting and plot overview
Set in a provincial Russian city in 2022, Minotaure follows a successful industrialist whose marriage begins to unravel as mobilization posters fill the streets. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil, drawing connections between personal and political upheaval.Themes of betrayal and conflict
The film draws parallels between marital infidelity and the ongoing war, portraying them as two forms of the same betrayal. Zviaguintsev constructs an intimate drama that mirrors the blindness of an entire nation, highlighting themes of denial, ordinary cowardice, and the violence lurking beneath the surface of normality.Symbolism and narrative style
The labyrinth in the title is not merely a setting but a state of mind, reflecting a people trapped in their own shadow, unable to escape. The film avoids melodrama, offering a clinical approach that leaves the viewer to confront the disorientation alone.Runtime and presentation
Minotaure runs for two hours and 20 minutes, providing an extended exploration of its complex themes and narrative structure.
