The Stoker 2010
Aleksei Balabanov's gripping drama *The Stoker (2010)* plunges into the isolated world of Ivan Skryabin, a haunted Afghanistan war veteran turned coal furnace tender.
Director: Aleksei Balabanov
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Stoker (2010) about?
*The Stoker (2010)* follows Ivan Skryabin, a former Afghanistan soldier working as a coal furnace tender, whose routine is upended by the arrival of gangsters. As these dangerous figures intersect with his life, the film delves into themes of trauma, redemption, and the fractured bonds of family.
Who directed The Stoker?
Aleksei Balabanov directed *The Stoker*. Known for his gritty, socially critical films, Balabanov crafts a tense and atmospheric narrative here.
Who stars in The Stoker?
The film stars Mikhail Skryabin as Ivan Skryabin, alongside Aida Tumutova as his daughter Sasha and Aleksandr Mosin as a former sergeant.
Is The Stoker (2010) worth watching?
*The Stoker (2010)* is a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn crime dramas with deep character studies. While IMDb ratings aren't available, its themes of war trauma and survival give it a gritty, thought-provoking edge that lingers long after the credits roll.
How long is The Stoker?
The Stoker runs for 83 minutes.
About The Stoker (2010) — A war veteran's isolated life ignites in Aleksei Balabanov's crime-drama
Aleksei Balabanov's gripping drama *The Stoker (2010)* plunges into the isolated world of Ivan Skryabin, a haunted Afghanistan war veteran turned coal furnace tender. His days are a monotonous cycle of stoking flames, writing a historical novel, and tending to his adult daughter Sasha's visits—until the arrival of mysterious gangsters disrupts his fragile routine. With Aleksandr Mosin playing a former sergeant and Yuri Matveyev as the sinister sniper Bison, the film weaves deep themes of trauma, fatherhood, and the lingering shadows of war into its stark, industrial setting. The flickering furnace becomes a metaphor for both warmth and destruction, casting an eerie glow over this haunting character study.
Balabanov crafts a tense atmosphere where every interaction feels charged with unspoken menace. The Stoker (2010) contrasts quiet domestic moments with bursts of violence, exploring how broken men navigate life after conflict. Mikhail Skryabin delivers a haunting performance as Ivan, a man trapped between his past and an uncertain future, while the supporting cast adds layers of intrigue and menace.