Johnny is not Dead

A young woman named Ruslana returns to her hometown in the North Caucasus after her father's death. She discovers that her father was involved in a complex web of relationships and debts, and struggles to navigate the patriarchal society and its expectations.

Johnny is not Dead received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric direction and its exploration of female identity within a restrictive social context. Some noted its slow pace, but the performances and visual storytelling were widely appreciated.

• Praised for its striking visual style and atmospheric tension.

• Applauded for its nuanced portrayal of a young woman's struggle for agency.

• Some found the narrative pacing to be deliberately slow.

Google audience: Information not available.

Screened at the Venice Film Festival's Horizons section.

Director Kira Kovalenko drew inspiration from personal experiences and observations of life in her native region when creating the film.