This film is an existential drama par excellence, and watching it is almost a transformative experience. Yet there are no dreamlike sequences or other hallmarks of this genre here. It looks like a typical family drama about a mother who can't bear her son leave her to go away and live with his father, who abandoned them long ago. But the dialogue is often repetitive to the point of being downright nonsensical, and Muratova creates such a profoundly melancholic atmosphere that one comes to realize that the characters exist on the verge of death, in a disjointed world where no meaningful action is possible. Zinaida Sharko, a great theatre actress, gives a performance of her life: a domineering, yet defenseless, mother whose life is about to unravel. The final scene is carefully optimistic: choice is possible after all, the son will probably stay with his mother. Sharko in this scene goes beyond "good acting": she shows a momentary leap from ultimate despair back to life.

Kira Muratova proves that she is one of the most talented and original filmmakers ever. 10/10