A stark black-and-white film offers a window into the life of a nun named Vera, who resides in a secluded Orthodox monastery in Belarus. The documentary is defined by its quiet, meditative pace, composed of lingering shots that feel more like moving photographs than a traditional narrative.
The central figure, Vera, possesses a striking, resolute presence. Her world revolves around the convent’s stables, where she appears most at peace in the company of horses. In her own words, she reveals a turbulent past, having been married and struggling with addiction before arriving at the monastery. Her initial stay was not by choice, but a temporary refuge.
The monastery itself serves as a sanctuary for a large community of men, many of whom are former prisoners and addicts. The film briefly shifts from quiet observation to high tension during a meeting where the community debates expelling a man deemed an outcast due to his past trauma. A priest presiding over the gathering responds with forceful conviction about equality in the eyes of God.
Ultimately, the film is an intimate portrait of Vera. For long stretches, there is no dialogue, demanding the viewer’s patience. Yet, Vera’s compelling nature, combined with her candid narration, draws the audience directly into her spiritual journey. She is not a passive subject but an active guide into her contemplative world, making for a profoundly absorbing experience.
