What Is Tell Her About?
The premise of Tell Her in 292 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Set against the shifting landscape of 1990s Saint Petersburg, Tell Her is a quietly devastating portrait of a family pulled in opposing directions by love, longing, and circumstance. At the center is young Sasha, a boy whose earliest memories are already tinged with the quiet ache of separation. He spends his days divided between two parents who are no longer together — a father, Artyom, a gentle teacher content in the rhythms of a modest life, and a mother, Sveta, whose restless spirit leads her toward something far beyond the city’s faded grandeur. The world around them carries the weight of transition, a place where old certainties dissolve and new possibilities beckon across oceans.
The film’s tone is deeply intimate and observational, lingering on the small gestures and unspoken tensions that shape a child’s understanding of belonging. Sasha is a bright, sensitive boy caught in the gravitational pull of two households that each believe they hold his truest interests at heart. Family members on both sides weigh in, their well-meaning voices turning a private struggle into a contest of loyalty. The boy absorbs it all with a quiet, watchful gravity, navigating emotions far too large for his small shoulders.
There is an unmistakable melancholy threaded through the story, but also a tenderness that refuses to harden into bitterness. The film is less interested in assigning blame than in capturing the texture of lives caught between what has been and what might still come. America looms on the horizon as a distant promise — a place of reinvention that carries its own costs. Tell Her draws its power from the silences between words, the glances exchanged, and the fragile hope that love, even when fractured, might still guide a child toward something whole.
What Happens in Tell Her?
The complete story of Tell Her, from the first scene to the last, in 417 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Tell Her Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Sasha” to “Final Scene in Saint Petersburg”. 5 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Introduction of Sasha
The film opens in 1990s Saint Petersburg, Russia, focusing on Sasha, a young boy who struggles to remember his parents together. His memories are clouded by the current tensions and circumstances surrounding his family.
When:1990s Where:Saint Petersburg, Russia
- 2
Background on Artyom and Sveta
Sasha's father, Artyom, is portrayed as a dedicated teacher who finds contentment in a modest life. In contrast, his mother, Sveta, feels stifled by her situation and ultimately makes the drastic choice to pursue a new life with an American man named Michael.
- 3
Sveta's Departure
In a pivotal moment, Sveta reveals to Artyom her plans to leave him for Michael. This decision intensifies the emotional turmoil for Sasha, who feels caught between his parents and their conflicting desires.
- 4
Moving to America
Tensions escalate when Sveta expresses her wish to move to the United States with Sasha. Artyom vehemently opposes the move, leading to a fierce battle for Sasha's loyalty between his parents.
- 5
Sasha's Illness
As the conflict escalates, Sasha's health deteriorates, leading Artyom to reluctantly agree to Sveta's plan to move. This moment underscores both the emotional strain on Sasha and the desperate measures his father must take.
- 6
Adjustment in America
Upon arriving in America, Sasha adapts surprisingly well and even becomes class president at his new school. This success, however, is overshadowed by the challenges of fitting into a new culture and environment.
Where:America
- 7
Confrontation with Police
What begins as a light-hearted prank at a local pizzeria spirals into a situation involving the police. This incident causes strain between Sasha and his mother, leading to further complications in their relationship.
Where:Pizzeria
- 8
Ending of Contact
In the aftermath of the prank, Sveta blames Artyom for the negative influence on their son and chooses to sever contact with him. This decision heightens the emotional divide within the family and burdens Sasha even more.
- 9
Artyom's Visit to America
Artyom travels to America in an attempt to reconnect with Sasha. Their meeting quickly escalates into a confrontation, revealing the deep-rooted tensions still present in their relationship.
Where:America
- 10
Sasha Runs Away
Overwhelmed by the fighting between his parents, Sasha runs away in despair. In a moment of frustration, he vandalizes Michael's car by setting it on fire, showcasing his inner turmoil and conflict.
Show the other 3 events of Tell Her Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Emotional Reunion
After the chaotic incident, Sveta finds Sasha and they share an emotional conversation. This interaction leads to a pivotal moment of reconciliation, where they begin to understand each other's struggles.
- 12
Desire to Return to Russia
In a heartfelt moment, Sasha expresses his longing to return to Russia with his father. This desire signifies his commitment to both his parents and his need for stability amid the chaos.
- 13
Final Scene in Saint Petersburg
The film concludes with a poignant scene of Sasha and Artyom together in Saint Petersburg. This ending suggests that Sveta has come to terms with their return, offering a glimpse of hope and familial unity.
Where:Saint Petersburg, Russia
Who Are the Main Characters in Tell Her?
4 characters, among them Sasha, Sveta and Artyom: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- S
Sasha
Played by Kai Aleks Getts
Sasha is a young boy caught in the middle of his parents' tumultuous separation. His innocence contrasts with the complex emotions of loyalty, love, and frustration towards both his parents. As a character, he evolves from a passive receiver of his parents' conflicts to someone who actively navigates his own path, ultimately asserting his desires.
- 👦 Child
- 🎓 Student
- 🌍 Immigrant
-
Sveta
Played by Svetlana Khodchenkova
Sveta, Sasha’s mother, embodies the struggles of a woman seeking freedom from an unfulfilling marriage. Torn between her desires for a better life and the emotional ties to her son, she navigates the complexities of motherhood and independence. Her character reflects the challenges of making life-altering choices that affect her family's future.
- 👩👦 Mother
- ✈️ Expat
- 💔 Divorced
- A
Artyom
Played by Artyom Bystrov
Artyom is a devoted father who represents stability and traditional values. His contentment with a modest life contrasts sharply with Sveta's aspirations, showcasing the emotional and ideological rift within their relationship. Through his character, the story explores themes of sacrifice and paternal love, especially regarding Sasha's well-being.
- 👨🏫 Teacher
- 💼 Provider
- ♥️ Devoted Father
- M
Michael
Played by Wolfgang Cerny
Michael is the American who becomes a pivotal figure in Sveta's life, representing opportunity but also conflict. His presence complicates the family dynamics and symbolizes the allure of a different life, adding to the chaos that Sasha must navigate. His role in the film represents the foreign influence that exacerbates the family's struggles.
- 🇺🇸 American
- 💼 Career
- 🔄 Catalyst
Where and When Is Tell Her Set?
Tell Her is set in Saint Petersburg and America (1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1990s
The story is set in the 1990s, a transformative decade for Russia post-Soviet Union. This period was marked by significant social change, economic hardships, and a search for a new identity, influencing Sasha's experiences and the dynamics of his family life. It's also a time when globalization began to impact Russian society, as seen in Sveta's choice to move to America.
Where
Saint Petersburg, America
The movie predominantly showcases Saint Petersburg, a cultural hub in Russia renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Known for its scenic canals and vibrant arts scene, it serves as a backdrop to Sasha's tense familial struggles. America represents a new chapter and a stark contrast to his Russian roots, symbolizing both opportunity and cultural clash.
- 🇷🇺 Saint Petersburg
- 🇺🇸 America
What Are the Themes of Tell Her?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Struggles, Cultural Displacement and Choice and Agency.
-
01
Family Struggles
The film explores the complexities of familial relationships as Sasha navigates between his parents' conflicting desires. Both Sveta and Artyom represent different paths and ideals, creating emotional turmoil for Sasha. The story delves into themes of loyalty, separation, and reconnection within the familial unit.
-
02
Cultural Displacement
Sasha's journey to America highlights themes of cultural displacement and adaptation. Although he initially thrives in his new environment, he faces challenges that reflect the struggle between holding onto one's roots and embracing new experiences. This theme resonates with the immigrant experience and the feelings of belonging.
-
03
Choice and Agency
Central to the narrative is Sasha's quest for agency amid parental decisions impacting his life. The conflict between his parents embodies the larger theme of choice, as Sasha learns to assert his own desires despite the pressures exerted by his mother and father. This struggle for independence is a pivotal aspect of his character development.
What Kind of Film Is Tell Her?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A quiet, emotionally heavy drama about a boy caught between divorcing parents across two continents, capturing the tender yet painful bonds of family and the lasting cost of separation.
- melancholic
- poignant
- tender
- bittersweet
- family focused
- nostalgic
- divorce
- family conflict
- child custody
- immigration
Content notes: child emotional trauma, divorce, parental separation, arson.
Quiz
How well do you remember Tell Her? Test yourself on the story.
