Leviathan

"The title may refer to philosopher Thomas Hobbes’ classic tome concerning the structure of society and legitimate government (don’t be too impressed, I had to look that up), or maybe it’s the big whale of the Old Testament. It’s possible to read the whole thing as a loose modern retelling of the Biblical tale of Job, only here we have a man enduring state, rather than heavenly, intervention."

"At age 50, Russian master Andrey Zvyagintsev delivers a stunning, surprisingly funny satire that dares to question whether his homeland is servings its citizens' best interests."

"This is a whale of a movie, grotesque and a little bloated but impossible to ignore."

"Zvyagintsev's latest is a very strong contender for the Palme d'Or – a mix of Hobbes, Chekhov and the Bible, and full of extraordinary images and magnificent symmetry"

"Feels like a brave, lonely act of rebellion against the system, deeply pessimistic about the possibility of it ever working in the people’s favor."

"This provocative masterpiece’s broader themes speak to the power of the ripple effect."

"A thinly-veiled political parable drenched in bitter irony that takes aim against the corrupt, corrosive regime of Vladimir Putin."

"Frustrating, funny at points, heartbreaking and quite magnificently shot throughout, Leviathan is one of the films of the year."