Beanpole Will Blow You Away

I was blown away by Beanpole. I can’t remember the last time I saw a movie with so much darkness and beauty packed into it. Like many of the other movies I’ve watched during this month, Beanpole is not an easy watch. It is a slower movie and has moments that remind me of the films of Carlos Reygadas. Dialogue is not consistent and the characters will sometimes move at a slower pace. Director Kantemir Balagov will sometimes show characters doing mundane actions in their entirety. Due to its structure, Beanpole‘s more vicious moments will hit you harder. There are a few scenes that will be difficult to watch.

Viktoria Miroshnichenko and Vasilisa Perelygina are incredible in this! You feel so much sadness and compassion for Iya (Viktoria Miroshnichenko). Her condition and unhealthy relationship with Masha (Vasilisa Perelygina), while repeatedly being called “Beanpole” by her peers, make her a very empathetic character.

I also want to give immense credit to the cinematography and production design. The brooding atmosphere these two help create take Beanpole to the next level. This film will stay with you days after you watch it.