Sundance Review: 2000 Meters to Andriivka Portrays Unyielding Strength Amidst Conflict

Sundance Review: 2000 Meters to Andriivka Portrays Unyielding Strength Amidst Conflict

      In 2000 Meters to Andriivka, we are plunged directly into the midst of war. Through a first-person perspective, we accompany a brigade of Ukrainian soldiers as they journey to free the village of Andriivka, currently held by Russian forces. Navigating through the forest to avoid mine-laden roads, the troops encounter intense enemy fire. The village lies just over a mile away, serving as a crucial strategic point in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

      Directed by Mstyslav Chernov, who previously produced the Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol, he and fellow journalist Alex Babenko accompany these soldiers on their march toward the village. During their movements, they take refuge in bunkers while explosions echo nearby. Occasionally, white text appears on a black screen indicating the distance remaining to Andriivka. As they draw nearer, the situation becomes increasingly dire. Yet even from the start, the landscape is a bleak hell. “There is nothing left over there. Literally nothing,” one soldier remarks about Andriivka. To Chernov’s question, “So what are we fighting for?” he answers, “To rebuild it,” with a hint of hope. This optimism is as striking as any other element of the film, underscoring the soldiers’ resilience.

      Such discussions are interspersed with stark narration from Chernov, where he informs us about the deaths of brigade members, detailing how and where they fell. The film captures battlefield fatalities directly. Viewers are warned that certain images in 2000 Meters to Andriivka are unforgettable. A particularly striking moment features a soldier experiencing shell shock in real time, along with an extended sequence towards the film's climax in which the men discover a cat that survived amid the ruins of Andriivka. Most of the film is presented through the soldiers’ helmet camera footage, adopting a first-person viewpoint reminiscent of video games, which is unsettling in its realism and relatability. For those watching the film, this perspective is all too real, as opposed to fictionalized.

      A foreboding score pervades much of the film, raising the question of its necessity. Composer Sam Slater does commendable work, but it’s difficult to determine whether the music adds to or detracts from the film’s impact. Is there a need for an additional emotional boost in this context? The footage alone conveys so much that the score may risk being excessive. Despite some unforgettable moments, the tone is difficult to shake. The events depicted occurred in 2023, during Ukraine’s effective counteroffensive, while events in 2024 have led to a contrasting situation. Russia’s response to the counteroffensive has resulted in the regaining of significant Ukrainian territory by the enemy. With no resolution in sight and a noticeable disinterest from the international media, Chernov’s narration highlights a pervasive lack of hope. It presents a paradox—the very existence of 2000 Meters to Andriivka is a beacon of hope in itself. Ukraine endures, resilient as ever.

      2000 Meters to Andriivka premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

      Grade: B+

Other articles

15 Bond Girls Behind the Scenes: A Look at 007 Through the Decades of James Bond 15 Bond Girls Behind the Scenes: A Look at 007 Through the Decades of James Bond Bond girls are an integral element of the 007 films, alongside James Bond himself. Here are 18 Bond girls that 007 enthusiasts will remember for their notable contributions to the series. The Zodiac Killer Project Uncovers the Techniques and Themes of True Crime The Zodiac Killer Project Uncovers the Techniques and Themes of True Crime Charlie Shackleton's The Zodiac Killer Project skillfully unveils the techniques and conventions of true crime. It has just premiered at Sundance. Sundance Review: All That’s Left of You offers a poignant examination of years of Palestinian suffering. Sundance Review: All That’s Left of You offers a poignant examination of years of Palestinian suffering. A vast and compelling drama that begins with the establishment of the state of Israel and the uprooting of Palestinian families in Jaffa, and concludes two years before the Hamas-led assaults of October 7, Cherien Dabis' All That’s Left of You explores generational trauma on both personal and grand scales. Following over seven The initial trailer for Andrew Ahn's The Wedding Banquet revisits an Ang Lee classic. The initial trailer for Andrew Ahn's The Wedding Banquet revisits an Ang Lee classic. Ang Lee might be taking a moment to launch his next film, as his biopic on Bruce Lee plans to commence production this year. In the meantime, one of his early classics is receiving a contemporary adaptation. The newest project from Driveways and Fire Island director Andrew Ahn is The Wedding Banquet, which features Lily Gladstone. Sundance Review: Rebuilding offers a solemn contemplation on the significance of hope. Sundance Review: Rebuilding offers a solemn contemplation on the significance of hope. We all experience loneliness at times. Even when we are amidst others, we can feel disconnected or alone—immersed in our own thoughts. For some individuals, this sensation is triggered by devastation. The kind that strikes unexpectedly, consumes everything, and leaves destruction in its wake. Many of us witness it on the news, think "how terrible," Jonathan Majors Loses Control in the Initial Trailer for Magazine Dreams Jonathan Majors Loses Control in the Initial Trailer for Magazine Dreams Debuting two years prior at the Sundance Film Festival, Elijah Bynum's Magazine Dreams was slated to mark a significant year for Jonathan Majors, showcasing a powerful performance in the Taxi Driver-inspired drama centered around bodybuilding. Acquired by Searchlight Pictures for a substantial amount, the film was subsequently put on hold following an assault incident.

Sundance Review: 2000 Meters to Andriivka Portrays Unyielding Strength Amidst Conflict

In 2000 Meters to Andriivka, we are plunged directly into the chaos of war. Through a first-person perspective, we accompany a brigade of Ukrainian soldiers on their journey to free the village of Andriivka, currently under Russian occupation. As the Ukrainians make their way through the forest, they must navigate carefully to avoid the mines scattered throughout the area.