Leviathan (2014)

Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Leviathan is a raw, unflinching portrait of corruption, despair, and the crushing weight of power. Set in a bleak Russian coastal town, it mixes personal tragedy with political critique, making it one of the most acclaimed Russian films of the 2010s. Below is a full breakdown of the film and everything you need to know.

Detailed Summary

Kolya’s Struggle

Kolya, a car mechanic, lives with his young wife Lilya and teenage son Roma in a small town by the Barents Sea. His land, passed down from generations, is under threat of seizure by the corrupt local mayor Vadim, who wants to take it for his own purposes.

The Lawyer’s Arrival

Kolya turns to his old army friend Dmitri, a lawyer from Moscow, who tries to fight the case using incriminating documents against the mayor. Initially, this gives them leverage, but Vadim’s connections and brute force quickly overwhelm the legal system.

The Family in Crisis

Tension grows not only from the land dispute but also within Kolya’s household. Lilya feels neglected, and she begins an affair with Dmitri, further fueling the collapse of Kolya’s already fragile world. Roma, his son, becomes increasingly resentful of Lilya, which deepens the family’s rift.

Escalation of Power

Vadim, drunk and violent, operates with impunity. Despite Dmitri’s evidence, the mayor intimidates him, making it clear that resistance is futile. Eventually, Dmitri flees town, leaving Kolya alone to face the impossible.

Tragedy Strikes

Lilya disappears one day after a heated argument with Kolya and Roma. Her body is later found near the coast, and suspicion immediately falls on Kolya, who is accused of murdering her despite the lack of evidence. The judicial system, already biased against him, seals his fate.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Kolya sentenced to prison for Lilya’s murder, a crime he did not commit. His home is bulldozed, and in its place rises a grand new Orthodox church—built through Vadim’s corrupt deal-making.

Roma, devastated by his father’s imprisonment and mother’s death, is left an orphan, his future uncertain. Meanwhile, Vadim sits smugly at the church service, listening to the priest’s sermon about righteousness and morality, despite his blatant sins.

This ending underlines the film’s central theme: the small, powerless individual crushed under the leviathan of corrupt authority, bureaucracy, and the intertwining of state and church.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Leviathan does not have post-credits scenes. The story ends bleakly with Kolya’s fate sealed, leaving viewers with a lasting sense of injustice and hopelessness.

Type of Movie

Leviathan is a drama and political allegory, with strong elements of social realism. It is a character-driven story that critiques systemic corruption in Russia while reflecting universal struggles against power and injustice.

Cast

• Aleksei Serebryakov as Kolya
• Elena Lyadova as Lilya
• Roman Madyanov as Mayor Vadim
• Vladimir Vdovichenkov as Dmitri
• Sergey Pokhodaev as Roma

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Philip Glass, whose minimalist and haunting music underscores the film’s bleak atmosphere. His compositions highlight the loneliness of the characters and the inevitability of their downfall.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in the Murmansk Oblast in northwestern Russia, near the Barents Sea. The harsh landscapes of crumbling houses, endless water, and abandoned ship skeletons reflect the movie’s themes of decay, hopelessness, and the insignificance of the individual against massive institutions.

Awards and Nominations

• Winner: Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival (2014)
• Winner: Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2015)
• Nominated: Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (2015)
• Multiple wins at European Film Awards and Russian film festivals

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Director Zvyagintsev has said the story was partly inspired by a real American case where a man fought city authorities over land rights.
• The film caused significant controversy in Russia due to its portrayal of the Orthodox Church and government corruption.
• Local Orthodox leaders criticized the film as “anti-Russian,” while critics worldwide praised it as a masterpiece.

Inspirations and References

The title “Leviathan” references both the biblical sea monster and Thomas Hobbes’ book about the power of the state. Zvyagintsev uses these references to symbolize the overwhelming, destructive force of authority against the powerless individual.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no officially released alternate endings. Zvyagintsev has stated that the bleak conclusion was deliberate—softening it would have compromised the film’s message about systemic corruption and hopelessness.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not a direct book adaptation but was influenced by Hobbes’ Leviathan and loosely by real-life events. The blending of political philosophy with contemporary Russian life makes the story feel both specific and universal.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Kolya smashing bottles during his drunken breakdown.
• Lilya’s disappearance and the chilling discovery of her body.
• The mayor drunkenly threatening Dmitri, showing his raw power.
• The final church sermon with Vadim listening hypocritically.

Iconic Quotes

• Vadim: “You live in a lawless state. You should know better.”
• Priest: “Endure, for God sees all.”
• Kolya (to Lilya): “This land is mine. My father and grandfather lived here. I won’t give it up.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The skeletal remains of whales and ships seen in the background mirror the title Leviathan and symbolize ruin and destruction.
• The church’s placement on Kolya’s demolished land highlights the corruption of both state and religion.
• The portrait of Putin briefly glimpsed in the mayor’s office ties the narrative directly to modern Russian politics.

Trivia

• The film was partly financed by Russia’s Ministry of Culture, but officials later criticized it for being too negative.
• It is considered one of the most expensive Russian films of its time.
• Many scenes were shot using natural light to preserve realism.

Why Watch?

Because it is not just a movie—it’s a statement. Leviathan is one of the boldest cinematic critiques of corruption, power, and faith in modern Russia. It’s devastating, beautiful, and thought-provoking. If you want cinema that challenges you emotionally and intellectually, this film is essential.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Return (2003)
• The Banishment (2007)
• Elena (2011)
• Loveless (2017)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Return (2003)
• Loveless (2017)
• A Separation (2011)
• The Hunt (2012)
• 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007)