Pu-239
Where to Watch Pu-239
Pu-239 is an intense and thought-provoking dramedy released in 2006, a film driven by desperation, loyalty, and the dangerous world of the black market in radioactive substances. With a star-studded cast led by Paddy Considine, Oscar Isaac, and Valeriu Pavel Dan, the movie explores the human elements at the heart of the global nuclear issue.
Set against the chilly background of post-Soviet Russia, Pu-239 tells the story of Timofey Berezin, a dedicated nuclear power plant worker portrayed by British actor Paddy Considine, known for his roles in gritty dramas such as "Dead Man's Shoes". After an accident at the power plant, he is exposed to a fatal dose of radiation and soon learns of his impending death. His employers coldly dismiss his plea for help, denying responsibility by declaring the accident to be his own fault. They choose to sweep the incident under the rug and cut him loose with a measly compensation sum that does little justice to the severity of his predicament.
With only days to live and his health rapidly deteriorating, Timofey makes an impulsive decision out of sheer desperation: to steal a small amount of weapons-grade plutonium (Pu-239) from his work to sell on Moscow's black market. His sole motivation becomes the financial security of his loving wife Marina (Radha Mitchell) and their young son. As the stakes rise, Timofey drives headfirst into the dangerous world of the Russian underworld, marking the beginning of an exciting, albeit dark, adventure.
In a parallel storyline, we meet Shiv, portrayed by Oscar Isaac—known for his roles in films like "Ex Machina" and "Inside Llewyn Davis." Shiv is a low-level mobster who has his own share of trouble with his superiors. When his paths cross with Timofey, a strange yet compelling camaraderie forms between the doomed nuclear worker and the small-time gangster. Shiv, captivated by the shiny promise of the Pu-239, would become Timofey’s unexpected ally in navigating the treacherous black market.
The film is also marked by the harrowing performances of actors like Valeriu Pavel Dan and Kenneth Branagh and is expertly directed by Scott Z. Burns. Burns, known for his celebrated projects like "The Report" and "An Inconvenient Truth," crafts a seamless blend of drama, tragedy, and dark comedy. The movie is a fascinating insight into post-Soviet Russia, filled with atmospheric shots of bleak landscapes and the harsh realities of life in a society which overlooks its heroes.
Though Pu-239 is fixed firmly within the genre of political drama, it carefully builds its narrative around the convincing performances of its main characters, making it a primarily character-driven tale. It's a raw portrayal of humanity’s struggle for survival and dignity under terrifying circumstances. Essential to the narrative is an exploration of relationships and kinship dynamics, which the film tackles with a careful blend of intimacy and intensity.
Furthermore, the movie has a strong socially conscious element, providing insight into the real-world implications of nuclear disasters, offering a unique and unsettling examination of an issue that remains relevant even today. It also lays bare the stark injustices plagued by workers in hazardous industries, revealing the lack of protection for those whose toils keep society running.
In essence, Pu-239 is much more than a political drama. It is an impactful, character-driven narrative with elements of tragedy, comedy, and suspense, crafted around the fascinating and terrifying world of black-market nuclear trafficking. It unflinchingly captures the bleak realities of post-Soviet Russia, while also shedding light on the human tragedy often hidden beneath the surface. It’s a poignant exploration of the lengths one man would go to provide for his loved ones in the face of impending death. The acting performances, the cinematography, the script, and the ambient soundtrack come together to create a thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Pu-239 is a Drama movie released in 2006. It has a runtime of 97 mins Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 6.7..
How to Watch Pu-239
Where can I stream Pu-239 movie online? Pu-239 is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, Max, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Pu-239 for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.