Tell Her 2020

The film centers on Sasha (Kai Aleks Getts), a young boy navigating the complexities of life in 1990s Saint Petersburg, Russia. Sasha’s memories of his parents, Sveta (Svetlana Khodchenkova) and Artyom (Artyom Bystrov), are tinged with confusion as he struggles to recall a time when they were happy as a family. Artyom, who works as a teacher, is reasonably content leading a modest life, while Sveta feels stifled by their circumstances. This discontent ultimately leads her to leave Artyom for an American man named Michael (Wolfgang Cerny), which shakes the foundation of their family.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sasha spends three days a week with his father, but he finds himself stuck in the middle of a heated tug-of-war between his estranged parents. The tension escalates dramatically when Sveta announces her plans to relocate to the United States with Sasha, a decision met with fierce resistance from Artyom. Both parents, along with their respective families, engage in a fierce battle for Sasha’s loyalty, adding additional layers of stress and emotional turmoil to his already complicated childhood.

As if the situation isn’t challenging enough, Sasha’s health takes a turn, becoming the pivotal circumstance that convinces Artyom to reluctantly allow his son to move with Sveta to America. Upon arrival, Sasha initially acclimates well to his new life, even rising to the position of class president. However, his adjustment is soon overshadowed by a series of challenges, which culminate in a significant incident at a local pizzeria. What begins as a harmless prank spirals out of control and draws unwanted attention from the police.

Tensions flare between Sveta and Artyom, leading Sveta to blame Artyom’s influence for Sasha’s troubles and decide to cut off contact with him. However, Artyom makes the journey to America, hoping to reconnect with Sasha. Their reunion is filled with unresolved feelings, ultimately culminating in a confrontation that drives Sasha away in frustration. In a moment of mischief and exasperation, he resorts to setting Michael’s car on fire, which only intensifies the conflict.

As the film progresses, Sveta finds Sasha after the incident, and they share an emotionally charged conversation that bridges the distance between them. This heartfelt exchange leads to a reconciliation, with Sasha expressing a desire to return to Russia alongside his father. In a poignant final scene, the narrative comes full circle as we witness Sasha and Artyom together in Saint Petersburg, implying that Sveta has conceded to the situation, leading to a new chapter for their family.