How does the man behind Russia’s most soothing cartoon dog end up with an 18+ horror hit? Leonid Shmelkov’s ‘Restlessness’ strands two travelers in a roadside hotel they can’t escape.
Nepokoy (“Restlessness”), a feature-length art-house animation for adults, is now playing in Russian theaters. That in itself is news: 18+ animation is a real rarity not only in Russia but worldwide. Nepokoy has already become a phenomenon: it’s the highest-grossing Russian animated film for adults, the living legend Yuri Norstein has praised it, and its heroine has been turned into a Dymkovo…
Leonid Shmelkov, the creator of Russia's popular animated dog series featuring Andrei and his friends, has ventured into a new realm with his feature-length adult animation, "Restlessness" (Nepokoy). This surreal and unsettling film tells the story of two travelers, Yasha and Bernard, who get stranded in an eccentric hotel run by the mysterious Madam. The film has become an overnight sensation, grossing the highest among Russian adult animated films and earning a dedicated fan base.
Shmelkov's artistic style in "Restlessness" is a departure from his previous work, featuring vibrant colors, complex character designs, and a mix of realistic and surreal elements. The story delves into themes of escapism, identity, and the hidden desires within us, drawing inspiration from various sources such as Groundhog Day, the works of David Lynch, and Julio Cortázar's magical realism.
The film has been praised for its attention to detail, from the lifelike road trip scenes to the surreal creatures inhabiting the hotel. The characters, including the two travelers and the eccentric Madam, are brought to life through a combination of rotoscoping and traditional animation techniques. While the film may not be easily comprehensible on first viewing, it is bound to captivate those who are willing to delve into its mysterious world.
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