Подводник 2019
In this sharp slice-of-life comedy, director Aleksandr Nazarov delivers a biting satire of family dynamics and patriotic myths with Подводник (2019).
Director: Aleksandr Nazarov
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Подводник (2019) about?
The film follows Sveta and her children as they celebrate what they believe is the birthday of her missing submariner husband, Victor. Just as they raise a toast, Victor suddenly returns home, claiming he was on a secret mission for his country. His unexpected arrival forces the family to confront long-buried truths and the fragile myths they've built around his absence.
Who directed Подводник?
Подводник (2019) was directed by Aleksandr Nazarov, a filmmaker known for his sharp satires and incisive character studies.
Who stars in Подводник?
The film features Alyona Babenko as Sveta, Dmitriy Kulichkov as the returned submariner Victor, and Sergey Epishev, Sergey Aprelsky, and Glafira Golubeva in supporting roles.
Is Подводник (2019) worth watching?
Though short and unrated, Подводник (2019) offers a clever, bittersweet take on family and national myth-making that feels both timely and timeless. Its dark humor and tight runtime make it a rewarding watch for fans of sharp, dialogue-driven comedies.
How long is Подводник?
Подводник (2019) runs for 15 minutes.
About Подводник (2019) — A Dark Comedy About Absence, Heroes, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves
In this sharp slice-of-life comedy, director Aleksandr Nazarov delivers a biting satire of family dynamics and patriotic myths with Подводник (2019). When Sveta and her two kids raise a toast to her missing submariner husband—missing for five years—the door suddenly swings open as the supposed hero walks in claiming he was on a secret mission for the Motherland. The surreal return upends a fragile status quo, throwing the family into a whirlwind of awkward silences, forced smiles, and the absurd weight of unspoken expectations. Brought to life by Alyona Babenko's anchoring performance as Sveta and Dmitriy Kulichkov's deadpan turn as the returned submariner, the film balances dark humor with genuine pathos, painting a portrait of a family clinging to illusions.
Set against the cramped, cluttered confines of a modest apartment, Подводник (2019) thrives on its intimate scale and razor-sharp dialogue, where every word carries the tension of unresolved grief and unresolved lies. Nazarov crafts a biting commentary on hero worship, absence, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.