‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’: Sundance Review

Dir: Mstyslav Chernov. Ukraine. 2025. 107mins

A distance of 2000m doesn’t sound like lots. It may be pushed in two minutes, run in ten and, if struggle is in your thoughts, a mortar can cross it in simply 35 seconds. But that sense of proximity, like a lot in Mstyslav Chernov’s sobering documentary, is proven to be misleading when the Russians occupying the village of Andriivka are armed to the tooth and a Ukrainian battalion is making sluggish progress – and sustaining heavy losses – whereas attempting to mount an offensive. Chernov propels us straight to the frontline because the troops have interaction in brutal and lethal skirmishes in a greater than three-month bid to liberate the territory.  

 A fearless piece of filmmaking within the face of hazard

As together with his earlier Oscar-winner 20 Days In Mariupol, this can be a fearless piece of filmmaking within the face of hazard as Chernov, who acts as his personal cinematographer with further assist from Alex Babenko, ventures into the sharp finish of the battle with troopers from the third Assault Brigade. 2000 Meters To Andriivka will, like 20 Days In Mariupol, be launched by Frontline PBS within the US, and its well timed nature and Chernov’s established fame for reportage means different territories are more likely to comply with go well with.

It’s September 2023 and Ukraine has begun a counteroffensive close to Bakhmut, within the east of the nation, the place Andriivka has strategic significance. The brigade is tasked with bringing a flag to a unit sergeant, Fedya, who will fly it in Andriivka to point out the battle is gained. The one means for troops to method the village is through a strip of forest, which itself is emblematic of the state of the struggle. The phrase ‘forest’ suggests a inexperienced haven, nevertheless this slender and sketchy strip of stricken bushes is something however. Trunks stripped of branches and leaves are all that’s left because the troops scramble over bracken and conceal in foxholes, whereas dodging grenades, suicide drones and shelling. Andriivka can be a bombed-out shadow of its former self, razed by the Russians. “It’s like touchdown on a planet the place all the things is attempting to kill you,” we’re informed.  

The movie is visceral and immersive because it follows troops who fireplace expletives as shortly as bullets as they attempt to make progress. Chernov’s footage is expertly edited by Michelle Mizner and combined with photos shot by the troops through their helmet cameras, which just about offers parts of the movie the texture of a first-person shoot ‘em up – however that is no recreation and lives are being misplaced without end. In one of the vital horrifying moments we’re plunged inside an armoured medevac ambulance because it will get caught within the mud earlier than following the troops as they attempt to make it to security on foot. Sam Slater’s rumbling rating provides to the bleakness, occasional vocalisations rising from its electro and percussive coronary heart like a lament.

Periodic bursts of stories stories clue us in to the state of the counteroffensive, which isn’t going effectively, though no political framework is added; Chernov’s movie is all concerning the speedy bodily actuality of struggle, not what’s being mentioned about it. As together with his earlier movie, the director additionally presents sporadic sombre narration, typically specializing in a person soldier’s life story within the movie’s quieter moments. A few of these younger males show to be the masters of understatement: “It’s just a little bit chaotic right here,” one notes. Others talk about the virtues of roll-up cigarettes or speak of starting from scratch in locations like Andriivka to construct a greater nation.

Having discovered about these males, we’re regularly informed they may die in battle within the coming months. In such shut proximity to their life tales and philosophies, the loss feels much more acute. Later the movie pulls again from the thick of battle to point out the equally intense battle these at residence are waging with grief, the ambient sound minimize away as we watch crowds dominated by girls and youngsters laying their family members to relaxation. 

Chernov brings residence the sense of violent stalemate in order that, even when Andriivka appears inside attain, peace nonetheless feels a good distance off. Contemplating the battle, he says, “The longer it goes on, the much less the world will care about it.” He’s actually doing all the things he can to verify we maintain paying consideration.