The story centers on Kira, a young architect in Moscow, who meticulously constructs both her professional projects and personal life according to her own stringent standards. The design choices mirror Kira’s internal and external worlds, emphasizing themes of control, isolation, and the eventual unraveling of her structured existence.

The film’s settings are characterized by modern, minimalist architecture, reflecting Kira’s profession and her desire for order. Clean lines, neutral color palettes, and uncluttered spaces dominate the visual landscape, symbolizing Kira’s attempt to maintain control over her environment. However, as her personal life begins to spiral—marked by an unexpected pregnancy and the sudden loss of her partner—the once pristine and orderly spaces start to feel confining and cold. This transformation in the ambiance underscores Kira’s emotional turmoil and the disintegration of her meticulously crafted world.
Dimly lit scenes and tight framing create a sense of entrapment, while the use of reflective surfaces, such as glass and mirrors, emphasizes Kira’s introspection and the duality of her existence.
Through deliberate choices in architecture, color schemes, and spatial dynamics, a visual narrative is crafted that mirrors Kira’s internal struggles, enhancing the film’s exploration of themes like control, loss, and self-discovery.

Director: Tamara Dondurey
Cinematographer: Vsevolod Ledovsky
Production Design: Vanya Bowden

2022