Silent Souls 2011

In the charming town of Neya, Aist leads a life steeped in solitude, dedicated to safeguarding the cultural traditions of the Meryan people. However, his routine is disrupted when his boss, Miron, brings tragic news regarding the passing of his wife, Tanya. As they prepare to conduct her cremation rites at Gorbatov, a place that holds memories of their honeymoon, a heavy sadness envelops them. The duo sets out on this meaningful journey, transporting Tanya’s lifeless form, adorned with colorful threads in homage to Meryan customs honoring brides-to-be, along with Aist’s recently acquired Bunting birds.

As they travel the Oka River, Miron shares heartfelt stories of Tanya’s steadfast love, a practice referred to as “smoking” the dead. Yet, Aist is haunted by recollections of Tanya’s discontent, a grim reality that lingers just beneath the surface. Their somber journey takes an unexpected turn when a policeman crosses their path. Although initially bewildered by the sight of the deceased woman, he ultimately overlooks the strangeness inherent in Meryan traditions.

The initial weight of grief is soon disrupted when they lose their way back to Neya. As dusk approaches, they find themselves embroiled in a clandestine encounter with two prostitutes, allowing their minds a brief respite from the sorrow of Tanya’s death. However, Miron’s introspective reflections lead him toward a more sinister conclusion: that his wife’s death may have been a deliberate act, driven by her longing to escape his oppressive hold.

As the Bunting birds incessantly peck at their eyes, both Aist and Miron spiral further out of control towards the Kineshma Bridge, tumbling into the depths of “the great Meryan river,” a melancholic reference to the Volga River. Aist’s once peaceful existence has now been engulfed by chaos, where the intricate threads of custom, mortality, and the complexities of human emotions are irrevocably intertwined.