La Palisiada 2024

A forensic psychiatrist finds himself entangled in a complex web of intrigue when he becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the murder of a policeman, just a few months prior to the signing of Protocol No. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which proposed the abolition of the death penalty. This is a groundbreaking Ukrainian film that delves into the controversial topic of capital punishment, a practice that lingered in the country for several years following its independence.

The story is partly inspired by the personal account of Philip Sotnychenko, who, at the tender age of seven, was struck by the harsh reality of executions occurring within his vicinity in Lukyanivka, specifically at the pre-trial detention center. This personal connection highlights deep-rooted societal issues regarding justice and morality in modern Ukraine.

The narrative unfolds through two intertwining timelines: the contemporary (the film’s beginning) and the gritty world of the 1990s, which forms the narrative’s core. Central to this intricate tale is forensic psychiatrist Oleksandr Mavrits, whose once-tranquil life is thrown into turmoil as he partners with investigator Sergiy Luzanovsky in the pursuit of justice for their slain colleague. Their investigation is not merely a matter of law enforcement; it becomes a matter of honor amongst friends who are also burdened with feelings for the deceased’s widow.

The film opens with a seemingly unrelated sequence focusing on contemporary hipsters and their trivial issues—however, this quickly transitions into a gripping investigation set in Uzhhorod in 1996. This initial backdrop can be interpreted from various angles: as a flashback, flashforward, or as a parallel narrative. The structure is intentionally disorienting; viewers may expect a traditional detective story typical of the 1990s, but are instead presented with a layered narrative that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.

As the film progresses, it is revealed that the plot’s second act serves not just as a flashback but is so intricately woven that it casts the initial scenes in a new light, forcing the audience to reconsider their perceptions. This isn’t a straightforward investigation, but rather a murky tale where two law enforcement officials wrestle with the integrity of their work as they attempt to fabricate a case against a suspect—pressured by a system eager to deliver swift justice before the death penalty becomes a relic of the past.

Within this ambiguous atmosphere, the essence of what the director refers to as “post-Soviet noir” or “neo-noir” is perfectly encapsulated. The depiction of the 1990s reveals a tumultuous era characterized by chaos and moral decay; it was a time when the nation was finding its footing amidst rampant corruption where various factions indulged in political maneuvering, privatization of public assets, and violent purges of competition. The counter-narratives emerge, leaving the audience questioning the identities of heroes and villains in this morally complex landscape.

Ultimately, the film employs a non-linear narrative that mirrors the intricate and cyclical nature of the stories it tells, much like a Möbius strip—seamlessly blending themes of justice, friendship, and the haunting repercussions of a turbulent past.