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Plot
In the heart of the tumultuous Russian invasion of Chechnya in 1999, the lives of three children from a Chechnyan family are scattered like dust in the wind. Nine-year-old Hadji, shattered by the presumed death of his parents and older sister Raissa, finds a safe haven for his infant brother before being swept into the exodus of survivors fleeing the war-ravaged frontlines.
Their journey of survival brings them to the town of Nazran in the Republic of Inguishetia, within the Russian Federation, where Hadji is housed in a refugee center. Amidst the chaos, he finds an unlikely ally in Carole, a compassionate Frenchwoman documenting the horrors of war for the Human Rights Committee of the European Union. Despite the language barrier and Hadji's silent refusal to speak, Carole becomes his pillar of support, determined to uncover his story and navigate the labyrinth of what lies ahead for him.
Parallel to Hadji's ordeal, Raissa weaves her way through the upheaval, fueled by an unwavering desire to reunite with her brothers.
Elsewhere, a separate narrative unfolds with Kolia, a 19-year-old Russian student. Arrested for marijuana possession, Kolia's life takes a drastic turn as he is thrust into the army to evade prison. He endures grueling training and is eventually deployed to Chechnya, finding himself in the very town that was once home to Hadji's family when the Russian troops descend.
"The Search" is a poignant tale of survival, resilience, and human connection, set against the backdrop of a brutal conflict, tracing the intersecting lives of individuals caught up in a war that will irrevocably change their destiny.
Where to watch The Search?
The Search is a drama movie featuring Bérénice Bejo and directed by Michel Hazanavicius.
The Search is currently streaming on Kanopy.