ZOOLOGY

A TAIL OF PERSONAL GROWTH.

Writer-director Ivan I. Tverdovsky s prize-winning sophomore feature (Special Prize of the Jury at Karlovy Vary, Best Picture at Fantastic Fest) deftly mixes the deadpan humour of Aki Kaurismäki with a poignant examination of social issues including loneliness and aging. Described as “Kafka meets Cronenberg” (Hollywood Reporter), it’s a beautifully photographed portrait of Eastern Europe recalling the recent New Romanian Cinema.

Natasha is a middle-aged zoo employee whose female co-workers take pleasure in making fun of her. She lives with her God-fearing mother, leading a dull existence without prospects, until one day she grows a tail. Medical examinations follow where she meets young radiologist Peter, and her dreary life is turned upside down.