Year: 2007
Runtime: 158 mins
Language: Russian
Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev
While vacationing at his childhood home in the countryside, a husband is blindsided when his wife announces she is pregnant—but the baby is not his. The revelation forces the couple to confront betrayal, with the story probing whether they will seek revenge or find a path to forgiveness.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Banishment (2007) 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 the quiet lull of a countryside retreat, Alex brings his family back to the house of his childhood, a place where the rhythm of the seasons once promised simplicity. The rolling fields and weather‑worn homestead form a stark contrast to the tangled lives the characters carry with them, setting a tone that feels both nostalgic and unsettling. The idyllic setting acts as a silent witness to the fragile equilibrium of a marriage that has settled into routine, hinting that beneath the pastoral calm lies an emotional storm waiting to break.
When Vera shares news that shatters the couple’s expectations—a pregnancy that cannot be hers, at least not in the way they imagined—their world tilts on its axis. The revelation unfolds in a domestic sphere populated by two young children, old friends, and lingering ties to a past that refuses to stay buried. The film’s atmosphere leans heavily on restrained tension, allowing the audience to sense the weight of unspoken doubts and the pressure of maintaining appearances while internal doubts fester.
Against this backdrop, Alex finds himself seeking counsel from his brother Mark, a figure whose own history hints at a life lived on the edges of the law. Their conversations, set against the backdrop of the countryside’s enduring silence, draw out questions of loyalty, pride, and the lengths one might go to protect a fragile family. Meanwhile, the presence of Kir, an old acquaintance, adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that the past relationships and unresolved grievances may influence the choices ahead.
The story invites viewers to linger in the space between betrayal and redemption, letting the mood of the landscape and the subtle shifts in character dynamics suggest the possible paths—whether toward vengeance, forgiveness, or something in between. It is a portrait of a couple at a crossroads, with the weight of their decisions echoing far beyond the fields that surround them.
Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 19:45
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Banishment 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 Banishment is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Banishment, 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.
Track the full timeline of The Banishment with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like The Banishment that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Banishment (2007) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Banishment (2007) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
The Banishment (2007) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like The Banishment – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
mother! (2017) Detailed Story Recap
Birth (2004) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Banishing (2021) Full Summary & Key Details
Firstborn (1984) Movie Recap & Themes
The Cry (1000) Full Movie Breakdown
Home Sweet Home (2001) Story Summary & Characters
The Child (2005) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Confession (2001) Detailed Story Recap
Seas of the Banished (2022) Film Overview & Timeline
The Innocent (1972) Detailed Story Recap
The Well (1992) Film Overview & Timeline
The Abandoned (1945) Story Summary & Characters
The Rain People (1969) Complete Plot Breakdown
Something to Hide (1972) Full Summary & Key Details
Missing Home (2022) Film Overview & Timeline