The Man Who Surprised Everyone

The Man Who Surprised Everyone is a 2018 Russian-Estonian drama film directed by Natalya Merkulova and Alexey Chupov. The movie features Evgeniy Tsyganov, Natalya Kudryashova, and Yuriy Kuznetsov in leading roles and presents a remarkable tale of identity, survival, and societal acceptance, deeply embedded in folklore and reality.

The central character of the film is Egor (Evgeniy Tsyganov), a forest ranger in a small Siberian village who has a good life with his wife, Natalia (Natalya Kudryashova) and son. Egor is a strong, stoic man, respected by his peers and fellow villagers and known for his courage and diligence. His life significantly changes when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer with barely a couple of months to live.

The movie brilliantly illustrates Egor's struggle with his imminent mortality and fight against a cruel and undiscriminating disease that respects no one, irrespective of how morally upright and physically tough they might be. Familiar with the Siberian mythology, Egor sinks into the tale of a local wizard who cheated death by tricking it into believing he was a different person. In a desperate attempt to dupe the unrelenting death, he decides to live the local legend's tale and change his identity.

Egor's strategic survival plan involves turning his robust masculine image representations upside down, stepping into an unconventional identity that potentially could outrun the grim fate assigned to him. The drastic transformation in his appearance, his actions, and a complete revamping of his gender identity unfurls a set of catastrophic consequences. His new persona disrupts his social connection, creating an eerie tension among his relations, friends, and even within his own family.

The decision he has taken is not only a struggle within himself but also sets him apart from the strongly bound norms and expectations of the conservative village community. Egor, who was once considered a pillar of the local community and family, becomes an outcast, and his attempt at grief-stricken survival presents a remarkable, thought-provoking narrative about societal acceptance and prejudice.

The performances are commendable with Evgeniy Tsyganov showcasing his versatility as Egor transitioning between drastically different roles. Natalya Kudryashova, as Egor's wife, provides a strong supporting role showcasing masterful control over her emotions when dealing with the drastic changes in her husband. Yuriy Kuznetsov also renders an impressive performance as the village doctor, providing a sense of shared empathy and concern for Egor's situation.

The picturesque Siberian landscape with its dense forests and infinite stretches of snow would often become a character on its own, setting the mood for the unfolding of this surrealist take on mortality, courage, and identity. The direction by Merkulova and Chupov manages to capture the cultural nuances and ancient tales of Siberia, further enriching the narrative.

The Man Who Surprised Everyone is a profound investigation of human identity and a person’s lengths of survival when they find themselves in a desperate situation. It's an intense meditation on death, providing a unique viewpoint on the conservative gender norms framed in society. The film doesn't shy away from raising multiple questions - how much can you change to cheat death? What is the cost of survival, and to what extent one can ignore societal taboos for the same? These questions are masterfully interplayed within the gorgeous landscapes, making it a visually striking cinematic experience.

In closing, The Man Who Surprised Everyone is a daring piece of cinema that beautifully combines elements of folk legends, human emotions, and survival instincts. It is a compelling watch that should not be missed, especially for people interested in exploring a different culture, issues of identity, and human courage against all odds.