Director Mstyslav Chernov offers an unflinching look at the brutal realities of conflict with his “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” a gut-wrenching, no-holds-barred documentary that pulls you right into the heart of the war in Ukraine. From the moment you step into this film, you’re immersed in a world of devastation, destruction, and loss through incredibly shocking and compelling footage. The documentary follows a Ukrainian platoon as they attempt to liberate the village of Andriivka, a strategic location devastated by war. Accompanied by a journalist, the platoon pushes forward through a heavily fortified forest as they inch their way through a harsh landscape marked by mines, ruins torn apart by the conflict, and constant, deadly danger. Along the way, these solders start to realize that the war might not end anytime soon, and the documentary explores not just the military struggle but the emotional and psychological toll that consumes these civilians and fighters. Chernov’s observational style allows the harrowing images to speak for themselves, and there’s no sugarcoating the brutality of war. The camera captures moments of destruction, injuries, and death with such raw intensity that at times, it feels almost too much to bear. He takes you into the war as a visual passenger, with unprecedented access. You’ll feel like you’re in the trenches with the soldiers, hearing the explosions, seeing the aftermath of bombings, and feeling the weight of it all. The ugliness of war is on full display, with Chernov delivering a powerful, unvarnished truth that tests the limits of our basic humanity. The narration complements the film perfectly, never overshadowing the images but instead embedding you deeper into the experience. It’s straightforward, grounded, and adds to the documentary’s authenticity. Chernov’s perspective as both a journalist and a Ukrainian filmmaker gives the film a unique voice that’s both personal and professional. He is very effective at capturing the struggle from the front lines while maintaining an honest distance, which makes it feel like award-winning reporting from the front lines. The film raises important questions about the responsibility of journalists in war zones, from the need to show the truth but to portray the realities of conflict without distortion. Chernov doesn’t offer any solutions or political commentary but presents the facts as they are, allowing the viewer to come to their own conclusions about the futility and horror of war. Immersive, painful, and haunting, “2000 Meters to Andriivka” is not an easy film to watch, but it’s a vital piece of filmmaking that gives voice to the people living through the unimaginable hell of being forced to defend their home. By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS