A Haunting Tapestry of Propaganda, Brutality, and Dissent

A Review

The war in Ukraine has unfolded not only before our eyes, but also in our ears. With widespread mobile phone use on both sides of the conflict, the war has become the first to be fully audible. This documentary leverages this unique aspect, offering a chilling glimpse into the minds of Russian soldiers and civilians through intercepted phone calls.

The film juxtaposes these calls with stark visuals of the devastation wrought in Ukraine. We hear soldiers discussing looted makeup for their mothers, their casual banter normalizing the horrors they witness and inflict. Dehumanization of Ukrainians, parroting of Putin's propaganda, and even economic envy fuel their justifications.

However, dissent exists. One soldier notes Putin's disregard for human life, while others express discomfort with the atrocities they witness. Shockingly, the women on the receiving end of these calls often exhibit more hawkish views than the soldiers themselves. One mother even expresses delight at her son's participation in torture, chillingly echoing his sadism.

This documentary raises questions about its own perspective, given its reliance on Ukrainian intelligence. Nevertheless, the eavesdropping approach proves undeniably compelling. The dissonance between the conversations and the visuals pierces through the fog of war, exposing the warped reality fostered by Putin's regime.