Closeness 2017
Set against the tense backdrop of 1998 Nalchik, Kantemir Balagov's raw and gripping drama *Closeness (2017)* plunges viewers into the heart of a Jewish family's crisis when their youngest son and his fiancée vanish without a trace.
Director: Kantemir Balagov
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Closeness (2017) about?
*Closeness* follows a Jewish family in 1998 Nalchik whose world unravels when their son and his fiancée disappear overnight, leaving only a ransom note demanding an impossible sum. Stuck between fear and desperation, they must sell their livelihood and lean on their community to survive the ordeal.
Who directed Closeness?
Kantemir Balagov directed *Closeness*, bringing his signature emotional intensity and social realism to this gripping drama.
Who stars in Closeness?
The film features standout performances from Darya Zhovner, Olga Dragunova, Veniamin Kac, and Nazir Zhukov, who embody the family's struggle with raw authenticity.
Is Closeness (2017) worth watching?
As a drama steeped in emotional tension and moral complexity, *Closeness* offers a compelling, if heavy, viewing experience. Balagov's direction and the cast's powerful performances make it a standout in contemporary Russian cinema.
How long is Closeness?
Closeness runs for 118 minutes, delivering a tightly-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
🎥 Trailer
About Closeness (2017) — A gripping drama of family, ransom, and resilience in 1990s Russia
Set against the tense backdrop of 1998 Nalchik, Kantemir Balagov's raw and gripping drama *Closeness (2017)* plunges viewers into the heart of a Jewish family's crisis when their youngest son and his fiancée vanish without a trace. When a ransom note arrives the next morning, its staggering demand forces the family to confront harsh realities—selling their struggling business and reaching out to their community for support just to secure their loved ones' safe return. Balagov crafts an intimate yet harrowing portrait of familial love, desperation, and the moral compromises made under pressure.
Darya Zhovner and Olga Dragunova deliver powerhouse performances as the women at the center of this emotional storm, navigating uncertainty with quiet resilience. With its unflinching focus on human fragility and societal ties, *Closeness* stands as a powerful exploration of survival in a world where trust and hope are in short supply.