Poisons or the World History of Poisoning

Set in the present-day urban milieu, the film explores modern relationships, loyalty, and the consequences of infidelity in a compact, everyday environment. Characters navigate contemporary temptations, alcohol-fueled decisions, and the slow erosion of trust. The time period emphasizes immediacy and the relevance of moral choices in a modern setting.

The story centers around a modern city apartment building where personal tensions unfold after the move-in. Dim bar scenes provide a noir backdrop for confessions, deception, and moral doubt. Shared spaces in the building become stages for jealousy, fragile alliances, and intimate confrontations.

💔 Infidelity

The core conflict arises from Katya's betrayal, triggering jealousy and a crisis of trust within the marriage. Infidelity ripples through the building, altering loyalties and prompting drastic emotional responses. The narrative uses this breach to examine how couples and neighbors cope with shattered bonds. It shows that betrayal can fragment families and communities alike.

🧪 Poison

Poison serves as a metaphor for destructive impulses and the lure of drastic solutions. Prokhorov's tales of infidelity and poisoning plant a dark fascination in Oleg, blurring the line between fantasy and action. The motif probes the seductive power of harm and the danger of succumbing to old sins. Ultimately, the story questions whether such power should be pursued.

🤝 Redemption

Despite a web of deceit, the film threads a path toward reconciliation. Oleg and Zoya forge a genuine connection and begin anew, separate from the bitterness that plagued the others. Redemption is approached with realism, requiring introspection and deliberate choices. The conclusion suggests that healing is possible, though earned, not guaranteed.

💭 Dreams of Power

Oleg's daydreams, fueled by dark stories of poisoners and historical rulers, reveal how power fantasies can distort judgment. The visions of figures like Pope Alexander VI probe temptation, ambition, and the moral costs of influence. The film uses these dreams to warn against following dangerous echoes from the past. They ultimately highlight the distinction between fantasy and ethical action.