Navalny Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy gets poisoned, figures out who did it, then voluntarily goes back to face the guys who poisoned him, probably because he missed Russian prisons so much.

🍿 Navalny: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Poisoning Attempt

The documentary begins with the shocking event of August 2020, when Alexei Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader, falls gravely ill during a flight from Siberia to Moscow. An emergency landing is required, and Navalny is rushed to a local hospital, then evacuated to Berlin for treatment. Doctors determine he was poisoned with Novichok, a deadly nerve agent linked to previous attacks on Kremlin critics. President Putin immediately denies any involvement, casting doubt on the findings. As Navalny recovers, he begins working with investigative journalists to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt.

Unraveling the Plot

While recovering in Berlin, Navalny and his team, including journalists from Bellingcat and the Anti-Corruption Foundation, begin a meticulous investigation. They delve into the Russian black market to identify the individuals involved in the poisoning. The investigation leads to a list of suspects with ties to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). The team uses open-source intelligence and data analysis to piece together the travel patterns and activities of the suspected agents, revealing a coordinated effort to target Navalny.

The Phone Call

One of the most compelling moments in the documentary is when Navalny, impersonating a high-ranking security official, calls one of the suspected FSB agents. Incredibly, the agent inadvertently provides details about the operation, confirming the use of Novichok and revealing how it was administered through Navalny’s underwear. This phone call becomes a pivotal piece of evidence, exposing the Kremlin’s direct involvement in the assassination attempt.

Return to Russia

Despite the grave danger, Navalny makes the audacious decision to return to Russia. Knowing he will likely be arrested, he chooses to face the consequences to continue his fight against corruption and political oppression. Upon arrival at Moscow airport on January 17, 2021, Navalny is immediately detained by Russian authorities. This arrest marks the end of the documentary and leaves Navalny’s fate uncertain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alexei Navalny (Alexei Navalny): A charismatic Russian opposition leader who survived a poisoning attempt and returned to Russia despite the high risk of imprisonment.
• Yulia Navalnaya (Yulia Navalnaya): Alexei’s supportive and determined wife who stands by him through his political struggles and the aftermath of the poisoning.
• Christo Grozev (Christo Grozev): A Bellingcat chief investigator who uses open-source intelligence to uncover the details of Navalny’s poisoning.
• Maria Pevchikh (Maria Pevchikh): The Chief Investigator at Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, who helps investigate the poisoning attempt.
• Vladimir Putin (N/A (archive footage)): The President of Russia, suspected of being involved in the attempt on Navalny’s life, though he denies any involvement.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alexei Navalny: “Please let it be another movie. Movie #2 – Let’s make a thriller out of this movie and in the case that I would be killed let’s make a boring movie of memory.” – Navalny jokes about the possibility of his death while discussing the documentary’s potential direction, displaying his dark humor.
• Alexei Navalny: “If they decide to kill me, it means that we are incredibly strong.” – Navalny explains his belief that an attempt on his life would signify the strength and impact of his movement.
• Alexei Navalny: “Don’t be inactive.” – Navalny implores people to be active and not passive, to prevent bad people taking action.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $107,186

💥 Navalny Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Navalny’ hit me hard. I knew the basics of the story, but seeing it all unfold in such a raw and personal way was intense. That phone call scene with the FSB agent? Unbelievable! I couldn’t believe he actually did that. It made me feel so much admiration for Navalny’s courage and also a deep sadness for what he and his family have gone through. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It makes you think about what it really means to fight for what you believe in. The scene where he decides to go back to Russia gave me chills; I honestly had to pause the movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in political documentaries”
  • “Those following Russian politics and human rights issues”
  • “People who enjoy investigative thrillers and true crime stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussion of poisoning and assassination attempts”
  • “Political themes and sensitive subject matter”
  • “Some scenes of medical procedures and distress”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: ““Navalny” is a gripping political thriller, a documentary that unfolds with the suspense of a John le Carré novel. Director Daniel Roher deftly weaves together the personal and the political, crafting a compelling portrait of a man who refuses to be silenced. The film’s impact is undeniable, a testament to Navalny’s courage and the power of truth.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Daniel Roher’s ‘Navalny’ is more than just a documentary; it’s a vital piece of historical record. It offers unprecedented access to Navalny and his inner circle, revealing the inner workings of his political movement. While the film’s ending is tragically known, the journey to that point is filled with suspense and unwavering hope.
• CNN: “A stunning account of bravery and political intrigue, ‘Navalny’ is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern Russia. Roher’s documentary captures the essence of Navalny’s character—his wit, his determination, and his unwavering commitment to justice. The film is both informative and deeply moving.

Audience Reactions

The phone call scene was absolutely mind-blowing!: Viewers were gripped by the suspenseful unfolding of events and praised the film’s raw, unfiltered access to Navalny’s life.

Navalny’s courage and humor in the face of danger were incredibly inspiring.: Many viewers found Navalny’s resilience and wit to be a source of inspiration, emphasizing his charisma and unwavering commitment.

Overall Consensus: A gripping and essential documentary that showcases the courage and determination of Alexei Navalny in his fight against corruption, leaving audiences both inspired and deeply concerned.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Documentary Feature)- 2023
2. BAFTA Award (Best Documentary)- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Daniel Roher gained unprecedented access to Navalny and his inner circle, capturing intimate moments during his recovery and investigation.”
• “The film features a phone call Navalny made to one of his alleged poisoners, posing as a Russian security official, which resulted in a startling confession.”
• “Initially, Roher wasn’t sure if Navalny was using him for his own political goals, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship and the film’s narrative.”
• “The filmmakers faced significant risks while documenting Navalny’s story, including potential surveillance and threats from the Russian government.”
• “The film was edited under tight security to protect the identities of those involved and prevent leaks prior to its release.”

🖥️ How to Watch Navalny?

Navalny is available for streaming on HBO Max. You can also rent or purchase the film on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for potential broadcast options on CNN and other news channels.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Navalny, you might like these similar films:

• Icarus (2017): Both documentaries expose state-sponsored corruption and cover-ups, with Icarus focusing on doping in sports and Navalny on political assassination.
• Citizenfour (2014): Citizenfour documents Edward Snowden’s exposure of government surveillance, sharing a theme of individual bravery in the face of powerful institutions, similar to Navalny’s defiance.
• All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022): Explores an individuals fight against powerful institutions and corruption

🛒 Navalny Related Products

• Navalny: Poison, Courage, and the Quest to Expose Putin’s Crimes: A comprehensive biography delving deeper into Navalny’s life, political career, and fight against corruption, offering additional context and insights beyond the documentary. Includes exclusive interviews and analysis, perfect for those wanting a richer understanding of the context.
• Anti-Putin T-Shirt: High-quality tee featuring a design inspired by Navalny’s anti-corruption movement. Features a slogan or image that resonates with the film’s themes of freedom and resistance.
• Bellingcat Jigsaw Puzzle: A challenging jigsaw puzzle featuring the Bellingcat logo, celebrating their dedication to uncovering truth through investigative journalism. A piece of the puzzle represents a piece of the truth.
• The Man Without Fear: Alexei Navalny Poster: A high-quality, inspiring poster featuring a striking image of Alexei Navalny. Printed on premium paper with vibrant colors, suitable for framing and display. A visual reminder of Navalny’s unwavering courage and dedication to justice.

🎧 Soundtrack

Navalny features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Titles” – performed by Marius de Vries
• “Emergency Landing” – performed by Marius de Vries
• “He Will Recover” – performed by Marius de Vries

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Alexei Navalny became Putin’s greatest threat

Want to understand the real story behind Navalny and his opposition to Putin? This video breaks down his journey and the challenges he faced – it’s a must-watch to grasp the full picture.

Navalny reveals investigation into ‘Putin’s Palace’ | DW News

Ever heard about ‘Putin’s Palace’? This news report dives into Navalny’s shocking investigation that exposed alleged corruption at the highest levels. It’s pretty wild stuff.

Lessons from My Father, Alexey Navalny | Dasha Navalnaya | TED

Get ready for a powerful story! Navalny’s daughter shares what it was like growing up with her dad as a political activist, it definitely adds another layer of depth to understanding his legacy.

‘Navalny’ Wins Best Documentary Feature Film | 95th Oscars (2023)

You have to see it to believe it! This documentary is an Oscar winner for best picture. Take a quick moment and watch the speech; the movie must be good!

✨ Rate