Year: 2015
Runtime: 116 min
Language: French
Director: Yuriy Bykov
An unassuming foreman, Dima Nikitin, unexpectedly finds himself a hero when a burst pipe at a dilapidated dorm reveals a dangerous ticking time bomb. Faced with bureaucratic hurdles, he fights to evacuate the residents while confronting a system that seems determined to obstruct him. Through this ordeal, Nikitin’s honesty and integrity are tested, leading him on a transformative journey and revealing an extraordinary courage within an ordinary man.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Fool (2015) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In an unnamed Russian town where aging concrete blocks loom over everyday life, a municipal repair crew threads through the cracked infrastructure like a thread through worn fabric. The atmosphere is heavy with a blend of resigned cynicism and the faint hum of bureaucracy that seems to prioritize paperwork over people. It is a world where the ordinary grind of maintenance masks deeper, unseen dangers, and where a simple burst pipe can hint at something far more catastrophic.
Dima Nikitin, the diligent foreman of the crew, embodies a quiet resolve. A plumber by trade and a family man at heart, he balances the demands of his aging parents, his wife, and his young son while dreaming of a return to engineering school. His integrity often puts him at odds with a community that wears sarcasm like armor, yet his willingness to step into the cracks—both literal and figurative—sets him apart. When a routine inspection reveals a tremor in the building’s foundations, the seemingly routine job becomes a ticking clock that could upend the lives of hundreds.
The discovery thrusts Mayor Nina Galaganova and her inner circle into the spotlight, exposing the fragile dance between public safety and political self‑preservation. As the town’s officials grapple with the scale of the threat, layers of red tape, public perception, and hidden agendas create a maze of obstruction that tests Dima’s honesty and courage. The film settles into a tense, almost oppressive mood, where ordinary people are forced to confront the harsh reality that bravery can emerge from the most unassuming places. Against this backdrop, the story promises a meditation on dignity, responsibility, and the quiet heroism that rises when an ordinary man stands against a system inclined to look away.
Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:56
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Ordinary people risking everything to expose a rotten and indifferent system.If you admired the relentless struggle in The Fool, explore these other movies about ordinary people confronting vast, corrupt systems. These films share a tense, high-stakes feel with heavy emotional weight and often bleak outcomes.
The narrative typically follows a straightforward but intense path: an inciting incident reveals systemic failure, the protagonist attempts to raise the alarm or fix the problem, and they face escalating bureaucratic hurdles and personal danger, testing their integrity and resolve.
These films are grouped by their shared focus on the individual-versus-institution conflict, a tense and urgent pacing, and a tone of grim realism. They appeal to viewers interested in political or social dramas about moral courage in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Gritty, high-tension dramas set in decaying worlds of social neglect.Fans of the grim, tense atmosphere and urgent social stakes of The Fool will find similar experiences here. Discover other heavy dramas that explore themes of urban decay, class struggle, and bureaucratic apathy with a similar bleak tone.
Narratives are often driven by a ticking clock or an immediate danger that highlights broader social problems. The focus is less on a triumphant resolution and more on exposing the grim reality, often ending on a note of somber resignation or defeat.
Movies in this thread share a specific, cohesive vibe: a combination of a bleak tone, steady but urgent pacing, high emotional intensity, and a focus on disturbing social themes. They create a psychologically demanding and immersive viewing experience.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Fool in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Fool is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Fool, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Fool. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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