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Plot summary

What Men Talk About 3 (2018) Plot Summary & Timeline

What Men Talk About 3 (2018) movie poster

What Men Talk About 3 is a 2018 comedy film directed by Fluza Farkhshatova, running 1 hour 39 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 429 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 5 characters, where and when it is set and 4 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for What Men Talk About 3.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
5
themes explained
4
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What Men Talk About 3 (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m
Genre
Comedy
Original language
Russian
No spoilers

What Is What Men Talk About 3 About?

The premise of What Men Talk About 3 in 318 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustle of everyday Russian life—office deadlines, family obligations, and the endless chatter about everything from cars to football—a modest invitation sets four friends on a road toward St. Petersburg. The promise of a short escape is enough to pull them away from their routines, but the real lure lies in the open highway, where the rhythm of the road gives space for thoughts that rarely surface behind closed doors.

Lesha is the quiet observer, the one who often lets the conversation drift before he quietly steers it back on track. Slava brings a playful sarcasm that masks deeper worries about staying relevant in a fast‑changing world. Kamil carries the weight of a demanding career, yet his dry humor hints at a yearning for something simpler. Sasha, the most outspoken, constantly challenges the group with blunt observations that force everyone to confront the absurdities of their own lives. Together, they form a micro‑community where jokes about women, money, and work ripple through the air like familiar refrains, each remark revealing as much as it conceals.

The film settles into a tone that swings effortlessly between light‑hearted banter and a bittersweet nostalgia for youth that feels just out of reach. St. Petersburg itself becomes more than a backdrop; its historic canals and bustling squares echo the characters’ inner currents, offering moments of quiet reflection amid the constant chatter. The journey is less about reaching a destination and more about the space it creates for honest dialogue—moments where the road becomes a confidant and the city lights a canvas for shared memories.

As the friends navigate unfamiliar streets and revisit old jokes, the real adventure unfolds in the unspoken agreement that being together, however chaotic the conversation, is enough. The trip hints at a deeper truth: sometimes the purpose of a voyage is found not in the place you arrive, but in the company that keeps you moving forward.

Full plot

What Happens in What Men Talk About 3?

The complete story of What Men Talk About 3, from the first scene to the last, in 429 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

What Men Talk About? follows four middle-aged friends from the cult theater Quartet as they answer the age-old question of what men talk about—primarily women, but also work, money, cars, and football. The film doodles the everyday preoccupations that color male conversations, exploring how those topics briefly lift the weight of responsibility and routine from their shoulders.

The journey centers on a road trip to Odesa for a birthday gathering that doubles as a concert by the famous Russian band Bi-2. On the eve of departure, two of the group—Aleksey and Sasha—wake up to everyday frictions: one struggles with chores at home, the other battles with irksome clients at work. When the two finally reconnect with their companions—Kamil and Slava—the four men slip into a long, unguarded conversation that becomes the film’s heartbeat. Their discussions meander through memories, frustrations, and small triumphs, painting a portrait of male camaraderie that can find meaning in even the most ordinary moments.

The road trip unfolds with a mix of humor, honesty, and occasional awkwardness as the friends pass through landscapes and small towns. They spend a night in a hotel village called “Beldyazhki,” a concrete moment that crystallizes their need for escape and release. The next day, the journey continues through Kyiv, where they pause to contemplate art and life, even as they pick up paintings by Tishchenko and argue about the value and relevance of modern art. The conversations keep pace with the scenery, trading jokes for wisdom, and practical worries for more philosophical questions about timing, responsibility, and freedom.

As the journey nears its end, fate adds a sharp note to the voyage: a car accident threatens to derail their plans, yet the four friends manage to press on and reach the concert in time. Along the way, the film sketches the universal tug-of-war between work duties, family obligations, and personal desires. Each man carries his own dilemma—one balancing the pressures of a career, another juggling marriage and fidelity, and others negotiating the delicate line between independence and commitment.

Ultimately, the film presents a candid, affectionate look at how men talk when they are away from home and the daily grind. The conversations reveal not only insecurities and desires but also resilience, humor, and the surprising ways friends keep one another grounded. The shared ride becomes a microcosm of life itself: messy, unpredictable, and deeply human. The narrative suggests that when men have room to speak openly—about work, love, and everything in between—those conversations can redefine how they see themselves, their relationships, and what really matters in the long run.

Timeline

What Men Talk About 3 Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Departures: leaving for a two-day escape” to “Reflections on friendship and time”. 12 events name a place, across 11 locations.

  1. 1

    Departures: leaving for a two-day escape

    Four friends abandon their offices and family duties for a short, carefree trip. They set off with the promise of time to talk about everything that matters. The journey is framed as a rare break from everyday responsibilities.

    When:Day 1, morning Where:City

  2. 2

    Morning troubles: home and work friction

    Alexey struggles with chores at home, while Sasha deals with unruly customers at work. The small daily gripes become the first shared 'obstacles' that the trip will help them escape. The tension hints at the reasons they need this trip.

    When:Day 1, morning Where:Alexey's home and Sasha's workplace

  3. 3

    Reunion on the road

    Camille and Slava catch up with the others and join the road trip. The group starts to settle into the long drive, opening up about their lives. The car becomes a moving confessional space.

    When:Day 1, morning Where:On the road

  4. 4

    First-day conversations on life

    During the long drive, they begin to discuss work, money, love, and the meaning of adulthood. Laughter mingles with frank talk as they navigate their shared fatigue and hopes. The journey itself starts to feel like a therapy session.

    When:Day 1 Where:In the car, en route

  5. 5

    Night in Beldyazhki

    The group stops for the night in the hotel village Beldyazhki. They unwind, exchange stories, and deepen their camaraderie after a day on the road. The quiet night becomes a moment to reflect on what they escaped from.

    When:Night of Day 1 Where:Hotel village Beldyazhki

  6. 6

    Through Kyiv: art talk and a painting detour

    The next day, they pass through Kyiv and pause to buy paintings by Tishchenko. Alongside the art, they debate modern art and what it says about their generation. The detour acts as a lighter, cultural counterpoint to their usual conversations.

    When:Day 2, daytime Where:Kyiv region

  7. 7

    Continued road talk: life, time, and belonging

    On the road toward the concert, they continue to debate life choices and how time pressures shape their decisions. Each man chafes against work, family, or both, yet they still choose to press on together. The car becomes a moving stage for their evolving friendships.

    When:Day 2 Where:In the car, en route to Odesa

  8. 8

    Time pressures and the escape

    The four men acknowledge their competing responsibilities, yet insist on a few days of freedom. They weigh priorities and realize that the trip itself is a challenge to the routines that bind them. The decision to continue onward marks their commitment to shared experience.

    When:Day 2 Where:On the road

  9. 9

    Arrival in Odesa for the birthday and concert

    They near their destination in Odesa, the reason for the trip: a birthday invitation and a chance to see Bi-2 in concert. The anticipation builds as the city lights come into view. The trip shifts from conversation to celebration as they approach the event.

    When:Day 2, late afternoon Where:Odesa

  10. 10

    A car accident tests their resolve

    On the way to the concert, their journey takes a sudden turn when a car accident occurs. Despite the crash, they manage to recover and keep moving toward the concert. The mishap underscores their reliance on friendship to weather setbacks.

    When:End of Day 2 Where:On the road near Odesa

  11. 11

    Concert evening and camaraderie

    The friends arrive at the venue and join the birthday celebration and Bi-2 performance. The shared experience reinforces their bond and provides a sense of renewal. In the midst of music and laughter, ordinary worries fade for a moment.

    When:Evening of Day 2 Where:Odesa concert venue

  12. 12

    Reflections on friendship and time

    The journey closes with reflections on how talking with friends can reshape personal priorities. The film suggests that true men carry many topics for discussion and find meaning in companionship. They return to life with stories to tell and a new appreciation for their friendships.

    When:After the concert Where:Odesa / road back

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in What Men Talk About 3?

5 characters, among them Aleksey (Aleksey Barabash), Kamil (Kamil Larin) and Sasha (Aleksandr Demidov): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • A(

    Aleksey (Aleksey Barabash)

    Played by Aleksey Barabash

    Aleksey is practical and somewhat anxious about domestic life. He wrestles with household tasks and the pressure to perform, revealing vulnerabilities beneath his attempts to keep things together. His interactions with friends show a mix of frustration, humor, and loyalty.

    • 🏠 Domestic life
    • 💼 Work
    • 🗣️ Communication
  • K(

    Kamil (Kamil Larin)

    Played by Kamil Larin

    Kamil brings a steady, level-headed presence to the group, often playing the role of mediator. He observes the chaos around him with dry humor and offers practical perspectives on the situations they face. His dynamic helps balance the conversations during long drives.

    • 🧭 Perspective
    • 🗨️ Conversation
    • 👫 Friendship
  • S(

    Sasha (Aleksandr Demidov)

    Played by Aleksandr Demidov

    Sasha struggles with workplace pressures and difficult customers, reflecting the modern stress of balancing career and personal life. His impatience and occasional cynicism clash with his desire for a simple escape, highlighting his inner conflicts.

    • 💼 Work
    • 🧭 Pressure
    • 🗨️ Communication
  • L(

    Lyosha (Leonid Barats)

    Played by Leonid Barats

    Lyosha is the optimist of the quartet, often steering conversations toward humor and hope. He balances the heavier topics with charm and warmth, revealing resilience amid life’s complications. He values friendship and the chance to connect on the road.

    • 😄 Humor
    • 👫 Friendship
    • 🗣️ Dialogue
  • S(

    Slawa (Rostislav Khait)

    Played by Rostislav Khait

    Slawa brings a grounded presence and practical take on the group's adventures. He contributes a sense of camaraderie and a straightforward view of the issues they discuss, helping keep the trip cohesive.

    • 🧭 Grounded
    • 🧩 Camaraderie
    • 🗨️ Dialogue
Setting

Where and When Is What Men Talk About 3 Set?

What Men Talk About 3 is set in Odesa, Kyiv and Beldyazhki. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The events unfold in a contemporary setting over a few days as four middle-aged friends escape work and family for a road trip. The journey uses time on the road to explore what men discuss when given space away from their daily obligations. It emphasizes the immediacy of everyday life rather than a distant historical period.

Where

Odesa, Kyiv, Beldyazhki

The story follows a road trip that starts for a concert in Odesa, a Ukrainian city by the sea, and passes through Kyiv. They spend a night in the hotel village of Beldyazhki along the way. The settings serve as a backdrop for the four friends to talk about work, money, cars, and relationships, turning ordinary places into stages for their conversations.

  • 🗺️ Odesa
  • 🗺️ Kyiv
  • 🏨 Beldyazhki
Themes

What Are the Themes of What Men Talk About 3?

4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Escape & Conversation and Art & Culture.

  1. 01

    Friendship

    Four friends hit the road to escape daily pressures and use conversation to connect. Their talk covers work, money, cars, football, and women, revealing different priorities and insecurities. Through humor and honesty, the group reinforces their bond and mutual understanding.

  2. 02

    Escape & Conversation

    The road trip becomes a sanctuary where time loosens its grip and conversations flow freely. Each mile offers a chance to reflect on personal failures and aspirations, separating what they want from what they have. The journey frames life choices through dialogue rather than action.

  3. 03

    Art & Culture

    On the road, the men discuss modern art and paintings (like those by Tishchenko), using culture as a lens to judge society and their own lives. The dialogue juxtaposes everyday concerns with artistic ideas, highlighting how art echoes personal identity. It shows how culture can provoke introspection in a casual setting.

  4. 04

    Crisis & Fate

    The trip culminates in a car accident, a moment of danger that tests the group's resilience. Despite the setback, they push through and make it to the concert, underscoring themes of perseverance and camaraderie. The incident serves as a reminder that life can be fragile even amid laughter.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is What Men Talk About 3?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A relaxed and conversational road trip comedy that follows four friends sharing jokes, memories, and life reflections, offering a lighthearted look at male camaraderie and the escape from daily responsibilities.

  • conversational
  • comedic
  • reflective
  • camaraderie
  • road trip
  • relaxed
  • male friendship
  • midlife crisis
  • everyday life
  • conversation

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FAQ

What Men Talk About 3 Plot Questions

5 quick answers about What Men Talk About 3, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is What Men Talk About 3 about?

In the bustle of everyday Russian life—office deadlines, family obligations, and the endless chatter about everything from cars to football—a modest invitation sets four friends on a road toward St. Petersburg.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does What Men Talk About 3 take place?

What Men Talk About 3 is set in Odesa, Kyiv and Beldyazhki. The events unfold in a contemporary setting over a few days as four middle-aged friends escape work and family for a road trip.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in What Men Talk About 3?

The story follows Aleksey (Aleksey Barabash) (played by Aleksey Barabash), Kamil (Kamil Larin) (played by Kamil Larin), Sasha (Aleksandr Demidov) (played by Aleksandr Demidov) and Lyosha (Leonid Barats) (played by Leonid Barats); the character guide covers 5 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of What Men Talk About 3?

The summary picks out 4 themes: Friendship, Escape & Conversation, Art & Culture and Crisis & Fate.

The themes explained

Who directed What Men Talk About 3?

What Men Talk About 3 (2018) was directed by Fluza Farkhshatova and runs 1 hour 39 minutes.

Fluza Farkhshatova’s films

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