‘La Palisiada’ Review: Ukraine’s Oscar Entry Is Challenging and Rewarding

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As a cinephile with a penchant for complex narratives and a soft spot for films that challenge my intellect, I must say that La Palisiada has left quite an indelible mark on me. Hailing from Ukraine myself, I found a certain resonance in this film’s exploration of the country’s tumultuous past as it grappled with its own moral and political dilemmas.

The death penalty will forever be a hot-button issue in the U.S. and overseas. Dating back three decades, Ukraine joined other European nations in banning the ultimate penalty, but what about the years leading up to the small country’s monumental decision? Kyiv-native filmmaker Philip Sotnychenko chose to base his new feature in the months leading up Ukraine’s official declaration, a key factor in his disjointed narrative involving a complex and ultimately despondent murder investigation. Just as some authors are deemed a “writer’s writer,” La Palisiada is indeed cinema for cinephiles, a challenging but ultimately rewarding film that proves the country’s talent behind the lens.

2025 finds me eagerly anticipating another fierce Oscars race, especially in the International Feature category where Ukraine’s submission could potentially shine among the frontrunners. If Academy members are game for thought-provoking cinema, then this might be a worthy addition to their top picks. Remarkably, as I delve into ‘La Palisiada’, it brings Michael Haneke’s masterful storytelling to mind, making it an encouraging sign indeed. Let me tell you why.

The Meta, Non-Linear Narrative Keeps You Hooked

You’ve been forewarned here that this is challenging work, but if you’re a MovieWeb reader, that should mean you’re ready for the task. The term “Tarantino” has been used playfully as a verb over the years, where a story commences with a flash-forward and then brings us back X number of years to recount the events that transpired and led to such a gripping cold open. Notably, the introductory sequence in La Palisiada lasts well over 20 minutes, taking place in present-day Ukraine, before rewinding almost 30 years to the year 1996 — aka its post-Soviet, pre-death penalty-ban days. The timing of the central story thus takes on a thrilling significance as the A-story soon kicks into gear.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself captivated by this gripping production. The opening and closing scenes explode with intensity, inviting the viewer to draw intriguing parallels between the build-ups to both climactic endings, skillfully crafted by Director Sotnychenko. The film’s introduction concludes abruptly with a hail of bullets, setting the stage for a thrilling ride.

Let’s emphasize that the narrative style of “Ilhar and Oleksandr’s story” seems disjointed, jumping back and forth between different time periods to develop the investigation. However, this method creates more confusion about the case facts as we try to distinguish truth from fiction. Witness testimonies, revisits to the crime scene, and additional evidence only add to this puzzle. Moreover, the boundary between real-life filming, in-film shooting, and reporting gets blurred due to the cinematography, making us question what’s truly happening. This mirrors the widespread suspicion found in 1990s Ukraine, a country still grappling with turmoil today.

Hints of Haneke and an Explosive Ending

In the self-reflective works of acclaimed filmmaker Michael Haneke, his 2005 masterpiece Caché appears particularly relevant when discussing the layered meta-drama La Palisiada, directed by Sotnychenko, who acknowledges Haneke’s influence. Set in Ukraine, this movie compels viewers to question the identity of the observer in each scene, as they peek into societal developments and police investigations. Similar to Caché, many of the most impactful sequences unfold without the aid of any non-diegetic original score, thereby intensifying the drama in a subtle yet ironic manner. You’ll frequently find yourself questioning, “Wait, is this a documentary I’m watching?

In this story, there’s a lot more to explore, such as the deepening mystery surrounding Ilhar, Oleksandr, and their slain colleague’s widow’s complex relationship, which is gradually revealed. It seems a love triangle has formed, creating an intriguing femme fatale character who remains enigmatic—and that works perfectly well for the storyline. The director skillfully incorporates witty humor into his unconventional narrative, keeping things interesting as we move forward. Remember, this is meant to entertain!

The film’s title, a blend of “policiada” (a police story) and “lapalissade” (redundant truth), invites contemplation, particularly after pondering the events leading up to Ukraine’s abolition of capital punishment. As director Sotnychenko has revealed, this title mirrors the film’s narrative, where a clear-cut investigation becomes complicated by police work, reflecting a Ukrainian political landscape where truths are equally convoluted. Naturally, the enigmatic cinematic adventure La Palisiada also encourages your unique interpretation of its storyline.

From VIATEL & Contemporary Ukrainian Cinema, La Palisiada is now available on digital.

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2024-12-09 22:31