Autsors

"Autsors" feels like a film from a bygone era, attempting to tackle complex themes of justice and morality with a heavy-handed, melodramatic approach that feels jarringly out of place in modern cinema. The plot, centered on a new prison guard confronting the impending abolition of the death penalty, has potential, but the execution is bogged down by a tired script and uninspired direction. The characters, particularly the protagonist, are thinly drawn archetypes rather than believable people, and their emotional arcs feel forced and unearned. The film relies on a series of predictable twists and turns, failing to generate any genuine tension or surprise. While the actors make a valiant effort, they are ultimately let down by a narrative that prioritizes didactic messaging over compelling storytelling. The result is a film that feels less like a thoughtful drama and more like a preachy, outdated morality play.

Is it worth watching? No, unless you have a deep interest in Russian cinema of the 1990s and are willing to overlook a lot of narrative shortcomings.