DOM–A Russian Family

Year: 2012
Country: RUSSIA
Run Time: 109 minutes

When Russian mobster Viktor is released from prison, he makes an unexpected visit home to see his family. Unbeknownst to him, a group of hired assassins are hot on his trail and looking to knock off this mob lieutenant. DOM–A RUSSIAN FAMILY is a classic story of vintage lineage blending all the great gangster, mobster, and western film elements. Viktor's family is dysfunctional, myopic, and living in near squalor on their massive property, so his return is met with a mix of trepidation and gratitude. Knowledge of Viktor's gangster lifestyle keeps everyone on edge. While before the family was preoccupied by wolves, now there's a new predator in their midst. As the henchmen get closer and Viktor's long lost girlfriend treks to the family home, Viktor's many siblings begin revealing the secrets and resentment that have laced their humble dwelling. Bravely and terrifyingly acted by Sergey Garmash as Viktor, DOM–A RUSSIAN FAMILY is thick with tension, ripe with subtext, and gripping right from beginning to end. Fantastic scenery and riveting drama set the tone early and keep the audience fixated on what is considered one of the best Russian films in years. (In Russian with subtitles.) – T.W.

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