Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BUTTERFLY VISION [Cannes Film Festival 2022]
The trauma of war is bathed in the idea of what comes next: the ensuing reality of life. And in many ways it is reflective of how art and culture deals with the incumbent fall out. With "Butterfly Vision" [Un Certain Regard], Ukrananian film director Maksim Nakonechnyi uses the context of returning home as an antecedent to the next stage of existence. Made before the full blown war in the Ukraine, it nonetheless takes the concept of the separatists and the havoc that war wreaks on the family both inside and out. This is done through the visage of Lilia played by Rita Burkovska who works as a drone operator but is captured as a female prisoner of war. Even though we are not shown exactly the kind of violent and sexual torture that she goes through the eventual repercussion is evident. But especially in this day, even in the texture of war, a woman's right to choose is important which is another layer the movie places for discussion. Lilia as a character wrestles with this idea even in the face of her at first gentle and then increasing frustrated husband Tokha’s action even he runs on a two sided perspective which is not all together right.
But these are human fragilities inherent even in the best of times but it does depend on the strength of the individual. Lilia must deal in whatever way is best for her. The way that a mother reacts in this situation is different than the grandmother or other soldiers would react. Needless to say, Lilia has a strong countenance but mostly doesn't allow herself to cry. When another trauma happens, it is about finding the balance of acceptance but making the choices that are right for her. Her physical appearance is also the gauge by which seeing herself as she tries to hide the essence of her being a woman to keyed specifically to that mindset of a soldier. It is apparent but the way Burkovska carries that hurt and strength between her curling up on a bed or sulking away when she is asked to get off a bus is vivid. The eventuality is about returning to a comfort of what one knows despite the consequence and seeing the next day in a logical sense which can be hard in the vision of war. B
By Tim Wassberg
