New Trailers: Two Prosecutors (2025) by Sergey Loznitsa

Two Prosecutors (2025): A Rigorous Fable of Truth and Tyranny Under Stalin

Two Prosecutors (2025) is a stark and incisive historical drama directed by the acclaimed Ukrainian filmmaker Sergey Loznitsa. Returning to fiction after a series of powerful documentaries, Loznitsa delivers a chilling and meticulously crafted portrayal of the Soviet justice system at the height of Stalin's Great Terror, exploring the perilous pursuit of truth within a corrupt and oppressive regime

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35521200/

Link Review: https://deadline.com/2025/05/two-prosecutors-review-sergei-loznitsa-soviet-drama-cannes-1236398439/

About movie: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/two-prosecutors/

Detailed Summary

Set in the suffocating atmosphere of the Soviet Union in 1937, "Two Prosecutors" is based on a previously unpublished story by Georgy Demidov, a former Gulag prisoner. The narrative begins in a provincial prison where an aged inmate, Stepniak, a former prosecutor himself, is tasked with burning letters from condemned prisoners pleading for clemency from Stalin. Among these desperate missives, he finds a note written in blood from a prisoner also named Stepniak, urgently requesting a meeting with a state prosecutor. Intrigued and perhaps seeing a reflection of his own fate, the aged Stepniak ensures the letter is seen.

A young, idealistic, and newly appointed prosecutor, Kornyev, answers the call. Despite initial obstruction from the wary prison governor, Kornyev meets the prisoner Stepniak. He is confronted with a man bearing the physical and emotional scars of imprisonment, who recounts a harrowing tale of false confessions extracted through torture. The prisoner asserts that these abuses are not systemic but the work of saboteurs within the NKVD (the Soviet secret police) attempting to undermine the state.   

Inspired by this seemingly earnest plea for justice and still holding faith in the Soviet system, the young Kornyev resolves to investigate and expose the alleged corruption to higher authorities in Moscow. His journey takes him deeper into the labyrinthine bureaucracy and chilling realities of the Stalinist state. Along the way, he encounters individuals whose experiences subtly or overtly hint at the pervasive nature of the regime's cruelty and deceit. His idealism and naive belief in the possibility of rectifying injustice from within the system are increasingly challenged as he navigates a world where truth is a dangerous commodity and the machinery of repression is all-encompassing. The film builds with a sense of creeping menace as Kornyev progresses, leading to a fateful encounter with the powerful and infamous state prosecutor Vyshinsky, a figure synonymous with the show trials of the era, ultimately revealing the true, inescapable nature of the "closed-trap logic" of Soviet justice.

Plot Summary

• A Desperate Plea: In a 1937 Soviet prison, an aged prisoner finds a blood-written letter from another inmate, Stepniak, requesting a state prosecutor's visit, sparking a chain of events.

• The Idealistic Investigator: A young, newly appointed prosecutor named Kornyev is dispatched to investigate. He meets the prisoner Stepniak, a former prosecutor himself, who claims innocence and attributes abuses to NKVD saboteurs.   

• Pursuit of Truth: Inspired by Stepniak's story and believing in the system, Kornyev travels to Moscow determined to expose the corruption he believes is limited to a few bad actors.   

• Descent into the System: Kornyev's journey through the Soviet bureaucracy reveals the pervasive nature of the oppression and the dangers of seeking truth.

• Fateful Encounter: His path leads him to a meeting with the powerful state prosecutor Vyshinsky, forcing Kornyev to confront the true, systemic nature of the injustice and his own tragic innocence.

Director's Vision

Sergey Loznitsa's vision for "Two Prosecutors" is to present a rigorous and unflinching examination of the totalitarian system under Stalin through a tightly constructed, fable-like narrative. Returning to fiction, Loznitsa employs his characteristic observational style and a sense of austere realism, punctuated by moments of chilling absurdism and knowingly theatrical stylization in the production design and cinematography. His aim is to demonstrate the "closed-trap logic" of Soviet justice, where the system is designed to consume its own, and the pursuit of genuine justice by an idealistic individual is a perilous and ultimately futile endeavor. Loznitsa views the film as a bleak warning drawn from history, highlighting the enduring and relevant threat of totalitarianism and the dehumanizing impact of living under such a regime. The film is a continuation of his long-standing cinematic exploration of Soviet history and its legacy.   

Themes

• Totalitarian Oppression and Control: The film vividly portrays the suffocating and all-encompassing nature of the Stalinist regime, where the state's power permeates every aspect of life and individual dissent or the pursuit of truth is ruthlessly suppressed.

• The Corrupt Nature of the System: "Two Prosecutors" delves into the systemic corruption and manipulation within the Soviet justice apparatus, particularly the NKVD, showing how it was used as a tool of political repression rather than a means of upholding justice.   

• The Struggle for Truth:     A central theme is the dangerous and ultimately futile quest for truth in a system built on lies, false confessions, and fabricated realities. Kornyev's journey highlights the immense obstacles faced by anyone attempting to uncover or speak truth to power.   

• Tragic Innocence and Idealism: The character of the young prosecutor Kornyev embodies tragic innocence and idealism. His initial faith in the Soviet system and his belief that corruption is limited to a few individuals lead him into a dangerous path, ultimately exposing the devastating consequences of his naivety.

• The Dehumanizing Impact of the State: The film illustrates how the totalitarian state dehumanizes individuals, reducing them to cogs in a machine of repression and stripping them of their agency and dignity.

• History as a Warning: Drawing parallels between the historical events depicted and contemporary political realities, the film serves as a stark warning about the enduring dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

Key Success Factors

• Sergey Loznitsa's Direction:     Loznitsa is an internationally acclaimed director known for his powerful and insightful films. His rigorous approach to historical subject matter and his distinct cinematic style are major draws for cinephiles and festival audiences.   

• Compelling and Timely Subject Matter: The film's focus on the Stalinist era and the nature of totalitarian justice is a compelling subject, particularly given contemporary global political events, making the film highly relevant.   

• Strong Performances: Early reviews highlight the impressive performances of the cast, especially Aleksandr Filippenko as the aged prisoner and Aleksandr Kuznetsov as the young prosecutor, which are crucial for conveying the film's emotional and thematic weight.

• Based on a Powerful Literary Source:     Adapting a story by Georgy Demidov, a Gulag survivor, provides the film with a foundation rooted in authentic experience and historical context.   

• Festival Premiere and Sales:     Premiering in competition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival generates significant buzz and critical attention. Early sales to multiple territories ahead of the premiere indicate strong international interest.   

• A Return to Fiction for the Director: Being Loznitsa's first fiction feature in several years is a notable event for his followers and the film community.

Summary Short

Sergey Loznitsa's "Two Prosecutors (2025)" is a rigorous Stalin-era drama where an idealistic young prosecutor investigates a prisoner's claim of innocence and NKVD corruption, leading him into the dangerous heart of the Soviet totalitarian system.   

Awards and Nominations

As of May 2025, "Two Prosecutors (2025)" has received a significant nomination at a major international film festival:

• Cannes Film Festival (78th Annual, 2025): Nominated for the Palme d'Or.   

Given its recent premiere, the film may be considered for further awards and nominations as it is screened at other festivals and receives wider distribution.

Critics Reception

Early critical reception for "Two Prosecutors (2025)" following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival appears to be largely positive.

• Screen Daily: Describes the film as demonstrating the "closed-trap logic of Soviet justice under Stalin with characteristically chilly rigour." It calls the film a "crisply fable-like in construction" and an "impressive addition to the director's always insightful oeuvre." It praises the performances of Filippenko and Kuznetsov.

• Variety: Notes that Loznitsa "plays it straighter" than in some of his recent fiction films, resulting in a "much stronger" film. It describes watching the film as having an "almost tactile literariness" and highlights how the rigorous formal aesthetic evokes the "pervading, dehumanizing horrors of living."   

• The Hollywood Reporter: Calls it a "solemn Stalin-era drama" that "doubles as a metaphor for the kind of oppression tormenting Russia right now." It praises the film as "Impeccably directed and impressively acted," filled with the "stifling, claustrophobic atmosphere of the U.S.S.R. at the height of Stalin's Great Purge."   

• Deadline: Highlights the film's "painfully methodical" pace and the "Kafka-esque levels of red tape" faced by the protagonist. It notes the "creeping sense of Parallax View-style menace" and the "terrific" set design, calling the film a "bleak warning from history" that seems increasingly prophetic.   

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics largely praise "Two Prosecutors" for Sergey Loznitsa's masterful direction, its rigorous and unflinching portrayal of the Stalinist system, and the strong performances from the cast. While some note a certain explicitness in the script, the film is widely regarded as a powerful, insightful, and timely work that effectively conveys the oppressive and corrupt nature of totalitarianism through a compelling, fable-like structure.

Reviews

(Summaries based on available critical commentary from Screen Daily, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline, as well as early online impressions):

• Praise for Direction and Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently commend Loznitsa's austere and rigorous direction, noting how he effectively creates a suffocating and claustrophobic atmosphere that reflects the horrors of the Stalinist era.

• Strong Performances: The performances of Aleksandr Filippenko and Aleksandr Kuznetsov are frequently highlighted as powerful and crucial to the film's impact, with Filippenko's portrayal of the aged prisoner receiving particular note.

• Intellectual and Thematic Depth: Critics appreciate the film's insightful exploration of themes such as justice, truth, corruption, and the nature of totalitarianism, viewing it as a significant historical and politically relevant work.

• A Return to Form for Loznitsa's Fiction: Some reviews suggest that with "Two Prosecutors," Loznitsa has delivered his strongest fiction feature in recent years, demonstrating a refined approach to narrative storytelling.

• Challenging but Rewarding: The film's methodical pace and bleak subject matter are noted, suggesting it is a challenging watch but ultimately a rewarding one for viewers interested in serious historical and political cinema.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews for "Two Prosecutors" are predominantly positive, recognizing it as a powerful and important film from a master filmmaker. Critics laud its artistic merit, historical insight, and compelling performances, affirming its status as a significant entry in contemporary world cinema.

Production

"Two Prosecutors (2025)" is a multi-country European co-production, involving companies from the Netherlands, Latvia, Germany, France, Romania, and Lithuania. The film was directed and written by Sergey Loznitsa, based on a story by Georgy Demidov. Production involved a significant collaborative effort across these countries. Oleg Mutu served as the cinematographer, known for his work on acclaimed films like "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu" and "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days," contributing to the film's visual style. Danielius Kokanauskis was the editor, and Christiaan Verbeek composed the music. Principal photography was completed in October 2024, indicating a relatively swift post-production period for a film premiering in May 2025.   

Production Companies

• Atoms & Void (Netherlands)

• White Picture (Latvia)

• LOOKSfilm (Germany)   

• SBS Productions (France)   

• Avanpost Media (Romania)

• Studio Uljana Kim (Lithuania)

• Match Factory Productions GmbH (Germany)

Sales Companies

• Coproduction Office (World Sales) - Handles international sales for the film in many territories.

• SBS Films [fr] (World Sales) - Also involved in the international sales of the film.   

Distribution Companies

• Pyramide Films [fr] (France - theatrical) - Distributing the film theatrically in France.   

• Progress (Germany - theatrical) - Distributing the film theatrically in Germany.

• Lucky Red (Italy) - Acquired distribution rights for Italy.   

• Aerofilms (Czech Republic and Slovakia) - Acquired distribution rights for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.   

• Vertigo Media (Hungary) - Acquired distribution rights for Hungary.   

• HBO Europe (Eastern Europe) - Acquired television rights for Eastern Europe.   

• Filmstop (Estonia) - Acquired distribution rights for Estonia.

• MegaCom Film (Ex-Yugoslavia) - Acquired distribution rights for territories of former Yugoslavia.

• Lev (Israel) - Acquired distribution rights for Israel.

• Falcon (Middle East) - Acquired distribution rights for the Middle East.

• Plex (Potentially US/Digital) - Listed with a September 24, 2025 release date, likely for digital or a limited US release, but requires further confirmation from official US distributors.

Release Date on Streaming

A specific release date for "Two Prosecutors (2025)" on major streaming platforms (SVOD) has not been widely announced. Its availability on streaming will likely follow its theatrical release window in various territories. Some platforms like Plex may offer earlier digital access (PVOD/rental), with a potential date listed as September 24, 2025, though this needs official confirmation. HBO Europe has acquired television rights for Eastern Europe, indicating it will be available on their platforms in that region at some point.

Theatrical Release

"Two Prosecutors (2025)" had its world premiere in the Official Selection - Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2025. It is scheduled for a theatrical release in Germany on February 19, 2026. Other theatrical release dates in countries where distribution rights have been sold will be announced by the respective distributors.   

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Masterful Filmmaking: Sergey Loznitsa is a director of significant talent and importance, and this film is praised as a strong return to his fiction work, showcasing his rigorous style and insightful approach to history.   

• Powerful and Relevant Story: The film's exploration of totalitarianism, injustice, and the struggle for truth in the Stalinist era is a compelling and unfortunately timely subject with strong parallels to contemporary political events.

• Historically Insightful:     Based on a story by a Gulag survivor, the film offers a potentially authentic and deeply felt portrayal of a dark period in history.   

• Critically Acclaimed: Early reviews from its Cannes premiere are largely positive, indicating the film's artistic merit and significance in the eyes of critics.

• Strong Performances: The lead actors are lauded for their powerful portrayals, bringing depth and humanity to the characters within a bleak setting.

Why to Watch Movie

• Experience Loznitsa's Cinema: If you are a fan of Sergey Loznitsa's previous work or are interested in experiencing the cinema of a major contemporary auteur known for tackling challenging historical and social themes.

• Gain Historical Perspective: To gain insight into the brutal realities of the Stalinist era and the functioning of a totalitarian justice system, offering valuable historical perspective.

• See a Politically Relevant Film: If you are interested in films that draw connections between historical events and contemporary political concerns, prompting reflection on the nature of power and oppression today.

• Appreciate Strong, Character-Driven Drama: Despite the historical and political context, the film is driven by the compelling journey of the young prosecutor and his encounters.

• Watch a Film Premiering at a Major Festival: Experience a film that has been recognized for its artistic quality by being selected for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival.

What Movie Trend film is following

• Historical Dramas with Contemporary Relevance: The film aligns with the trend of historical dramas that use past events to comment on or draw parallels with present-day social and political issues, making history feel immediate and relevant to contemporary audiences.

• Director-Driven European Arthouse Cinema: As a film by a renowned auteur like Sergey Loznitsa, produced through a multi-country European co-production model, it fits within the trend of director-driven arthouse cinema that often explores complex social, historical, and political themes.

What Big Social Trend is following

• Increased Global Concern Over Authoritarianism: The film directly taps into the heightened global awareness and concern regarding the rise of authoritarianism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the fragility of justice systems in various parts of the world. By depicting the horrors of a past totalitarian regime, it serves as a cautionary tale relevant to present-day political climates and discussions about civil liberties and state power.

Final Verdict

"Two Prosecutors (2025)" is a powerful, rigorous, and deeply insightful film from Sergey Loznitsa that unflinchingly examines the mechanics of oppression and the perilous pursuit of truth within the Stalinist system. With strong performances and a chillingly atmospheric portrayal of the era, the film is a significant return to fiction for Loznitsa and a compelling addition to his body of work exploring 20th-century history. Its premiere in competition at Cannes underscores its artistic merit and its relevance as a bleak yet important warning from history that resonates profoundly in the present day. It is a challenging but rewarding film for those seeking cinema that is both historically grounded and politically resonant.

Recommendations for film makers

• Draw Inspiration from History and Literature: Loznitsa's film demonstrates the power of drawing narratives from historical events and literary sources, especially those that offer unique perspectives or have been previously unexplored. Filmmakers should look to history and literature for compelling and insightful stories.

• Utilize Period Detail to Enhance Theme: The film's effective use of production design and cinematography to create a claustrophobic and austere atmosphere enhances its themes of oppression. Filmmakers should consider how visual and production elements can contribute to the thematic depth of their films.

• Embrace a Distinct Style: Loznitsa's rigorous and observational style is a hallmark of his work. Filmmakers should strive to develop a distinct cinematic voice and style that serves the story they are telling.

• Tackle Complex and Challenging Subjects: "Two Prosecutors" doesn't shy away from a difficult and dark historical period. Filmmakers should be encouraged to tackle complex and challenging subjects that offer important social and political commentary.

Recommendations for movie industry

• Support Auteur-Driven Cinema: The industry should continue to support and provide platforms for directors with strong artistic visions like Sergey Loznitsa, whose films, while not always mainstream, contribute significantly to cinematic art and offer important perspectives.

• Invest in Historically and Politically Relevant Films: Recognize the value and audience for films that engage with historical events and contemporary political issues, as these films can spark important conversations and offer valuable insights.

• Promote Multi-Country Co-productions: The collaborative nature of "Two Prosecutors," involving multiple European countries, demonstrates the potential of international co-productions to bring diverse resources and perspectives to filmmaking. The industry should continue to foster such collaborations.   

• Leverage Film Festivals for Exposure: The film's premiere at Cannes highlights the crucial role of major film festivals in showcasing artistically significant films and helping them secure international distribution. The industry should continue to support and utilize these platforms.

Final Conclusions

Sergey Loznitsa's "Two Prosecutors (2025)" is a significant and masterfully crafted historical drama that serves as a potent reminder of the enduring dangers of totalitarianism. Through its rigorous direction, compelling performances, and insightful exploration of the Stalinist justice system, the film offers a bleak yet vital warning from the past that resonates strongly with contemporary global concerns. Its premiere at Cannes affirms its artistic importance, and it stands as a powerful example of cinema's ability to confront difficult histories and illuminate their ongoing relevance. It is a must-watch for those interested in serious historical cinema and the work of one of today's most important filmmakers.