Tesnota (Closeness) (2020): Cast & Ratings
Tesnota (Closeness) is a 2020 drama directed by Kantemir Balagov, starring Darya Zhovner as Ilana 'Ila' Koft, Veniamin Kac and Nazir Zhukov. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes. Critics gave it 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 58m (118 min)
- Director
- Kantemir Balagov
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Russian
- Studio
- Wild Bunch
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Tesnota (Closeness) About?
The premise of Tesnota (Closeness) without spoilers.
In the close-knit community of Nalchik, Russia, Ilana's life is shattered when her brother David is kidnapped. With his fiancée’s safety uncertain, Ilana and their parents face a desperate situation involving ransom demands and complex family loyalties. Unable to rely on the police, they must find a way to raise the money needed, risking everything they have for the chance to bring him home. The ordeal tests their bonds and forces them to confront difficult choices.
Tesnota (Closeness) Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- garage
- cigarette smoking
- hugging
- jew
- jewish community
- marriage announcement
- kiss
- drunk
- long take
- moving out
- waterfall
- mechanic
+38 more Show fewer
- russian
- republic
- capital
- caucasian
- chechen
- chechnya
- workshop
- party
- engagement
- lover
- obedience
- jewish
- community
- communal
- kitchen utensils
- rebel
- independent woman
- dance
- affair
- clandestine
- danger
- dangerous attraction
- slap
- slapped
- stern
- stern mother
- sibling relationship
- brother
- gift
- community engagement
- feast
- long dinner table
- rebellious daughter
- rescue
- blackmail
- video
- making out
- redemption
Tesnota (Closeness) Cast & Characters
Darya Zhovner leads the cast as Ilana 'Ila' Koft, with Veniamin Kac as David Koft and Nazir Zhukov as Zalim. Directed by Kantemir Balagov; 6 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Kantemir Balagov
-
Darya Zhovner as Ilana 'Ila' Koft - Veniamin Kac as David Koft
- Nazir Zhukov as Zalim
- Olga Dragunova as Adina Koft
Also Starring in Tesnota (Closeness)
· 2 more- Anna Levit Lea
- Atrem Cipin Avi Koft
More from Kantemir Balagov
More films directed by Kantemir Balagov: Beanpole and Closeness.
Tesnota (Closeness) Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Tesnota (Closeness) 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).
Tesnota (Closeness) Echo Score Breakdown
Tesnota excels in visual and directorial craftsmanship, though its narrative pacing and unsettling content division dampen its cohesion. The film’s stark imagery and meticulous shot composition underpin a compelling atmosphere, while its character portrayals convey an authentic sense of claustrophobia. However, the inclusion of abrupt, disturbing footage and deliberate slow pacing introduce ethical ambiguity and hinder engagement. This uneven blend of striking aesthetics and polarizing narrative choices yields a distinctive but challenging debut with noteworthy promise amid its flaws.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of direction and cinematography, the film demonstrates exceptional command of lighting and composition. Scenes utilize an understated color palette and carefully framed shots to evoke a tense, immersive environment. Production design captures the gritty urban landscape with consistent visual coherence. Overall, the craftful combination of lighting, color, and shot structure establishes a strong artistic identity.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, performances convey a palpable sense of anxiety and raw authenticity. The lead actress anchors the narrative with nuanced reactions, while supporting figures reflect generational tensions. Though the subdued dialogue and deliberate pacing can limit immediate emotional connection, the overall character portrayals remain memorable for their understated honesty.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative unfolds at a deliberately measured speed, which some may find immersive while others perceive as excessively slow. The incorporation of unexpected, unsettling footage lends originality but introduces ethical discomfort that can disrupt engagement. Ultimately, the story’s stark realism and thematic ambition yield a mixed but thought-provoking experience.
- Sensory Experience 88
When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s visual style is distinguished by its gritty color grading and cohesive mise-en-scène. The sound design and soundtrack underscore the tense atmosphere with minimal but effective auditory cues. This combination of evocative visuals and restrained audio layering creates a consistently immersive sensory environment.
- Rewatch Factor 55
For rewatch factor, the film offers striking imagery and thematic depth that reward careful viewing, yet its deliberate pacing and disturbing content may limit repeat enjoyment. The atmosphere of claustrophobia and social tension provides analytical interest on subsequent viewings, but the abrupt inclusion of unsettling scenes can deter audiences from revisiting. Overall, rewatch value remains moderate but notable.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 87% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 67%
See on Rotten Tomatoes
Seen Tesnota (Closeness)?
Movies Like Tesnota (Closeness)
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Rashevski's Tango, The Rashevski Tango and Tennessine.
Tesnota (Closeness) FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Tesnota (Closeness), each answered in a sentence.
How long is Tesnota (Closeness)?
Tesnota (Closeness) runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).
When was Tesnota (Closeness) released?
Tesnota (Closeness) was released on May 1, 2020.
Who directed Tesnota (Closeness)?
Tesnota (Closeness) was directed by Kantemir Balagov.
More films by Kantemir Balagov Who is in the cast of Tesnota (Closeness)?
Tesnota (Closeness) stars Darya Zhovner as Ilana 'Ila' Koft, Veniamin Kac as David Koft and Nazir Zhukov as Zalim, among 6 credited actors.
How is Tesnota (Closeness) rated?
Tesnota (Closeness) has 6.8/10 on IMDb and 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Does Tesnota (Closeness) have a post-credit scene?
No. Tesnota (Closeness) has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Tesnota (Closeness) in?
The original language of Tesnota (Closeness) is Russian.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
