Rent The Banishment (2008)
3.5 of 5 from 108 ratings
2h 26min
Zvyagintsev had already established his well deserved reputation with 'The Return' by the time he made this film. Both movies display the themes which have recurred in all his work: critique of contemporary Russian society; lack of effective communication between lovers; male stupidities; and emotional coldness towards children.
There is more narrative in 'The Banishment' than in his other films (it is based on a novel by William Saroyan). Thankfully Zvyagintsev avoids the use of flashbacks in favour of a straightforward story line plus a half hour 'prequel' sequence.
All of this is done with his usual flair for eye-catching settings and superb play of light and dark.