The Son
In2013, Dima Ilukhin, who was a soldier in the Russian army and the cousin of the film's director, passed away while serving his country in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. He was 21 years old at the time. This particular occurrence serves as Abaturov's jumping off point for his reflections about the military. He films the training of new recruits in Siberia, as they say goodbye to their families and girlfriends, learn the mechanics of a Kalashnikov, or how to toss a hand grenade and administer first aid. He also films them as they say goodbye to their moms and girlfriends. While Dima's parents are attempting to come to terms with their loss, his former fellow recruits are being called back into action.