A man finds himself positioned between the safety of 800 lives and widespread corruption. It felt like another Russian movie similar to the Oscar-nominated 'Leviathan,' which also exposed corruption within a city's government, but it lacked that film’s depth in storytelling. The narrative is straightforward, unfolding over just 24 hours, yet powerfully presented. From scenes of domestic violence to political maneuvering, the film skillfully portrayed its characters and some of their betrayals. It also reveals what different social classes expect from one another, suggesting a predetermined order where anyone who disrupts it will face serious consequences. When public utility worker Dima Nikitin discovers a significant crack in an apartment building, he initially disregards it, but later worries something terrible might occur. As part of his job, he alerts the higher authorities during their late-night celebration. Just as the town was about to declare an emergency and implement safety measures, the story takes an unexpected turn that alters the fate of those involved, bringing the darker aspects of the situation into view. It's disheartening to see Russia portrayed in such a negative light, especially for Russian viewers. It’s also unfortunate when outsiders judge a country based on what films depict. While this isn’t presented as a true story or inspired by one, these kinds of events happen everywhere. Experts generally agree that the film reflects the current state of Russian politics. The fact that it received financial support from the ministry of culture suggests they are attempting to discourage such portrayals. Consequently, the film was well-received overall, with hope that this kind of depiction could lead to positive change in a struggling society. > "A fish rots from the head down." > "If I am tainted, then so are all of you.” The central event takes precedence over any individual characters, meaning a happy or sad conclusion wouldn't be particularly significant. However, one character stood out due to his involvement in the plot. The film also follows other characters to add complexity and keep the story moving forward. It’s essentially a chain reaction that begins with domestic violence, extends through public services, and ultimately reaches the highest levels of authority and politicians. The film's conclusion highlights the negative aspects of society. A lack of awareness among lower-class families combined with negligence from civil servants contributed to most of the tragedy, which could have been prevented. The title serves as a metaphor for someone who speaks out in situations where others remain silent. Ultimately, it’s about knowing what’s coming and choosing an inappropriate way to handle it—something that often goes unnoticed. Unless citizens work together to fight corruption, this cycle will continue. The film completely grabs your attention. It has a gradual beginning, but the ending is quite surprising. I haven't seen many Russian films recently, but I was very pleased with this one. It delivers a message while also providing an enjoyable story for those seeking entertainment. In some ways, it’s more straightforward and effective than that Oscar nominee I mentioned earlier. Unlike that film, here, most viewers who typically support a particular character are less likely to be disappointed. That's the cleverness of the storytelling. If you enjoyed that other film, you should definitely see this one too. 7½/10

Source on TMDB