The documentary project The Term was conceived in May 2012. When the directing trio commenced mapping the Russian sociopolitical landscape, Vladimir Putin had just settled into the Kremlin for his third term. The original experimental format of “documentary bulletins,” which were published daily online, allowed for wide-ranging content; in the feature film version, however, the filmmakers focused solely on the members of various opposition groups. Nevertheless, the work’s neutral position remains and viewers have to interpret the objectively presented situations for themselves. The main characteristics of this strongly authentic movie include close contact with the protagonists, precise editing, and an effectively controlled release of information.
The main characters of the film are Zhenya and Volodya: these are young guys from wealthy families who have been friends since childhood, both work in the company of Volodya’s father and are fond of motor sports. Volodya has a bride, Olga, but, as Zhenya becomes aware, she is going to marry solely for selfish ends. A friend refuses to believe it, and then Eugene decides to prevent the tragedy on her own. Mercilessly and publicly, he breaks down the wedding, loses a friend and breaks the heart of Tanya, Olga's sister, who is selflessly and secretly in love with him. The whole story takes place against the backdrop of upheavals within the Zhenya’s family: the mother threw them with her sister Sveta into the care of her father, as a result, Sveta is closed and pathologically unsure of herself, and the imperious father is constantly dissatisfied with his children.
Until her unexpected death, grandma Ada was the head of the entire family. But even after death, the business-like old woman does not leave her relatives to their fate. Ada's Ghost appears on the doorstep and informs that the family may lose their apartment in the near future. Discouraged descendants under the guidance of a Ghost grandmother must pay off their debts, win back their rightful inheritance, and at the same time learn to live independently. Otherwise, the spirit of my grandmother Ada never rest in peace.
