The film is explicit in its depiction of the Russo-Ukrainian war, specifically the early stages of Russia’s offensive in February 2022, and provides pointed social commentary on Russian-Ukrainian relations and the West’s role in the conflict. Stylistically, however, the film serves more as a vehicle for expressing the universal threats that armed conflict poses to civilian life.
Beyond the sporadic references to real-world events, the central focus remains on two characters trapped within the four walls of their newly acquired, expected-to-be happy home. This sense of confinement makes the story easily transposable to other military conflicts. It is precisely this claustrophobia that brings out the film’s strongest qualities, as director Zhanna Ozirna exhibits great care in capturing the stillness and quietude of the setting to heighten the prevailing sombre mood of the siege.
However, the film falters when its perspective shifts from the external conflict to the internal struggles of the couple. These tensions feel trivial and futile in light of their dire situation. This narrative turn culminates in upsetting behaviour and questionable decision-making by the characters in relation to their environment.
