In the Fog


In the Fog is a 2012 drama film directed by Sergei Loznitsa. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. The film won the Golden Apricot at the 2012 Yerevan International Film Festival, Armenia, for Best Feature Film.

Plot

The film is an adaptation from Vasil’ Bykaw's short story. The action is set in 1942 in Belarus during the German occupation. The Germans face strong resistance from the Partisans and hatred of local people. The Partisans suspect Sushenya, a track-walker, of collaboration with the Nazis because he was first arrested and then suddenly released after they had blown up a German train. Two of them capture Sushenya and lead him to the forest where they are going to shoot him as a traitor. They fall into a trap set by the Germans who severely wound one of the partisans. Sushenya attempts to save his executioner's life by carrying the wounded Partisan on his back to the nearest village. Nevertheless, Sushenya is under suspicion. He laments that he was a well-respected and trustworthy village resident, raising a family in peace, however the war changed that forever.

Cast

On Rotten Tomatoes the film is certified fresh with 86% of critics giving the movie favorable reviews. The consensus on the site states, "While it treads familiar narrative ground -- and is a mite predictable at times -- In the Fog proves a smart, thought-provoking antidote to Hollywood action movies." Writing for The Guardian, Peter Bradshaw said it was "an intense, slow-burning and haunting drama."