The Son

In 2013 Dima Ilukhin the cousin of the films director and a soldier in the Russian army died on duty in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus He was 21 years old This incident marks the starting point for Abaturovs reflection on the military He films the training of new recruits in Siberia as they bid farewell to their mothers and girlfriends learn the mechanics of a Kalashnikov or how to throw a hand grenade and administer first aid While his parents try to cope with their loss Dimas former fellow recruits have to return to battle