Loveless

Loveless

Year: 2017

Runtime: 127 min

Language: Russian

Director: Andrei Zvyagintsev

Drama

In this poignant drama, Zhenya and Boris's toxic divorce rages on, fueled by bitter recriminations and a desperate need for new beginnings. As they each move forward with new partners, their 12-year-old son Alyosha becomes the collateral damage of their broken love.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Loveless (2017)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Loveless (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2012

The movie takes place in 2012, a year marked by discussions of impending apocalypse predicted by the Mayan calendar. Additionally, it reflects the social unrest and distress during the war in Ukraine, providing a backdrop of anxiety and uncertainty that parallels the characters' personal turmoil.

Location

Russia, desolate forest, apartment

The film is set in the cold and stark beauty of Russia, where the stark architecture contrasts with the desolate forest surrounding it. The atmosphere evokes a sense of isolation and emptiness that reflects the emotional state of the characters. The apartment, where the couple plans their divorce, acts as a symbol of their failing relationship.

🏞️ Nature 🏢 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Main Characters – Loveless (2017)
Meet the key characters of Loveless (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Aloysha (Matvey Novikov)

Aloysha is a 12-year-old boy caught in the crossfire of his parents' bitter divorce. His character embodies the emotional turmoil resulting from his parents' neglect and the consequent sense of isolation. Aloysha's longing for love and belonging is palpable, making his absence starkly felt throughout the film.

👦 Child 💔 Neglect

Zhenya (Maryana Spivak)

Zhenya is a beauty-salon owner whose pursuit of personal happiness leads to emotional detachment from her son. She embodies the theme of selfishness, prioritizing her desires over familial responsibility. Her character illustrates the consequences of a loveless marriage and ultimately reflects the broader theme of loss.

👩‍🎤 Career-driven 😔 Ambitious

Boris (Aleksey Rozin)

Boris is a management employee consumed by his quest for status and escape from his failing marriage. His character is defined by an internal struggle that prioritizes his professional life over his familial obligations, portraying the effects of his choices on his son's well-being. Boris's emotional distance plays a significant role in the tragedy that unfolds.

👨‍💼 Professional 😞 Detached

Masha (Marina Vasilyeva)

Masha is Boris's new romantic interest, symbolizing his desire for escape and new beginnings. Her character contrasts with the emotional neglect that marks Aloysha's life, as she represents a fresh, albeit temporary, connection for Boris amidst his familial turmoil.

💃 Love interest 🌹 New beginnings

Anton (Andris Keiss)

Anton is Zhenya's affluent lover, highlighting the distractions that accompany her escape from her failing marriage. His presence exacerbates the couple's animosity, serving as a reminder of the choices they've made. Anton's character underscores the theme of superficial connections amidst profound emotional loss.

💼 Wealthy 💔 Intruder

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Major Themes – Loveless (2017)
Explore the central themes of Loveless (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Broken Relationships

The primary theme revolves around the disintegration of relationships, notably between the estranged parents and their child. Their emotional neglect culminates in tragedy, presenting a chilling portrayal of how interpersonal connections deteriorate in the pursuit of self-interest. The relentless blame and resentment amplify the impact of their broken family on their son, Aloysha.

😢 Loss and Regret

The overarching feeling of loss permeates the film, particularly surrounding Aloysha's disappearance. The couple's recognition of their failure to care for their son leads to poignant moments of regret, inviting viewers to reflect on the consequences of emotional neglect. The film poignantly emphasizes that love and compassion are essential for healing and connection.

🌲 Isolation

The theme of isolation manifests both physically and emotionally throughout the film. The desolate forest symbolizes Aloysha's plight, as he experiences profound loneliness amid his parents' turmoil. This isolation extends to the characters' interactions, highlighting how emotional distance can lead to despair and vulnerability.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

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