Synopsis

Natasha works at the local zoo. In her mid-fifties, she still lives at home with her mother. The Russian woman appears to have a deeper relationship with the animals in her care than with her colleagues and the people around her. Her lonely life seems to be totally stuck. Until one day, when she realises that a big tail has grown on her back. Because she is in pain, she goes to the doctor and finally meets the young radiologist Pyotr, who seems to accept her abnormality. The two get closer to one another and Natasha really blossoms. In the meantime, a rumour spreads around the neighbourhood about a woman who might be possessed by the devil. Natasha’s dominant and extremely religious mother vehemently tries to protect herself from the threatening evil force. At first glance, the story with fictional elements appears to be a tragedy with an unhappy protagonist, who supports the universal status of outcasts. Not only, but also especially because of the variety of psychological and social approaches of interpretation, the film is difficult to categorise. It plays with the expectations of the viewer and, almost until the end, remains a manifest of joy in one’s uniqueness.

Guests

Natalia Pavlenkova

Natalia Pavlenkova

Actress Zoology

In Vienna: March 21-23