The promise of Chekhov was all it took to sell me on this film – I hadn’t
read the novella this is based on (I have now!) and I didn’t even read

century Russian seaside town where layabout Laevsky has
settled with his mistress Nadya. There is trouble in paradise – the film opens
with Laevsky asking his friend the doctor what to do with a woman he was grown
tired of. Tensions build between Laevsky and his neighbours until the eponymous
duel becomes unavoidable. Chekhov had incredible insight into the human condition and every character here has a
deep backstory and emotional life hinted at in remarks, gestures and expressions. As Laevsky slouches, grimaces,
sighs and twitches he shows that he is a scoundrel, a fool, but also a
redeemable man.

The director, Dover
Kosashvili, originally came from Soviet Georgia. His first film,

seems to have been a critical hit. This new film features a mostly British cast, all accomplished actors who drop into
their roles beautifully without showing off. The producer ran Merchant/Ivory
films which might explain a thing or two about how this amazing costume drama
seemed to come out of nowhere. Judging from the number of positive reviews I’ve
found since seeing

If you love Russian melodrama and like your jokes tinged with sadness then see it. Screenings are on Oct 1st, 7th and 13th.