Oksana Karpovych's "Intercepted" skillfully navigates the harrowing landscape of war, dazzling haunting visuals of war-torn Ukraine with intercepted calls from Russian soldiers. Her long shots speak in behalf of the Ukrainian people, who finds themselves trapped in this ongoing conflict. The film weaves a tapestry of conflicting emotions, from rage and fear to nihilism and despair.
Karpovych avoids oversimplified condemnation presenting a range of voices, from the weary to the zealously depraved. The film's portrayal of mothers and wives, embracing hatred and cheering on atrocities, exposes the toxic influence of Russian state propaganda. There are a few voices of reason that question on their behalf their behavior and that of the Russian state.
The film lacks somewhat a balanced representation of all Russians, as I believe these soldiers are by far not the brightest minds among them. nevertheless, "Intercepted" stands as a powerful testament to the horrors of war, evoking deep contemplation and probing the darkest corners of human imagination.