The Banishment 2008
"If you want to kill, kill. If you want to forgive, forgive."
Andrey Zvyagintsev's haunting drama *The Banishment (2008)* unfolds in the quiet isolation of the countryside, where a man's world collapses when his wife reveals she's pregnant with another man's child.
Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Banishment (2008) about?
A man's life unravels when his wife announces she's carrying another man's child during a rural retreat. Set against the stark beauty of the countryside, the film follows his descent into moral turmoil as he confronts the suffocating weight of betrayal and the limits of forgiveness.
Who directed The Banishment?
The Banishment was directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, the acclaimed Russian filmmaker behind *Leviathan* and *Loveless*, known for his stark, emotionally charged storytelling.
Who stars in The Banishment?
Konstantin Lavronenko leads the cast as the tormented husband, joined by Maria Bonnevie as his wife, Aleksandr Baluev as a family friend, and Dmitri Ulyanov in a pivotal supporting role.
Is The Banishment (2008) worth watching?
The Banishment offers a gripping, if bleak, exploration of human frailty and the consequences of infidelity. Its deliberate pacing and powerful performances make it a rewarding watch for fans of slow-burn dramas, even if its uncompromising tone isn't for everyone.
How long is The Banishment?
The Banishment runs for 158 minutes, a runtime that allows Zvyagintsev to fully immerse viewers in its tense, atmospheric narrative.
🎥 Trailer
About The Banishment (2008) — A Desolate Countryhouse Drama of Betrayal and Forgiveness
Andrey Zvyagintsev's haunting drama *The Banishment (2008)* unfolds in the quiet isolation of the countryside, where a man's world collapses when his wife reveals she's pregnant with another man's child. Shot with Zvyagintsev's signature atmospheric tension, the film explores betrayal, forgiveness, and the fragility of human bonds against a stark, natural backdrop. Konstantin Lavronenko stars as the devastated husband, his performance anchored by raw emotion, while Maria Bonnevie delivers a chilling portrayal of a woman caught between guilt and defiance. The journey is intense, moral ambiguity lingering in every frame, as the characters grapple with choices that feel irreversible.
Set largely in a secluded country estate, *The Banishment (2008)* thrives on its oppressive silence and the weight of unspoken truths. Zvyagintsev crafts a modern tragedy where love and resentment intertwine, leaving audiences to ponder whether redemption is possible—or even desirable—after such a betrayal. The film's deliberate pacing and unflinching realism make it a challenging but unforgettable cinematic experience.