Cate Crafter

Лето (Leto) which means Summer in English is a Russian Biographical Rock’n’Roll Musical set in 1980’s Leningrad in the dying days of the Soviet Union. It’s a love letter, a celebration to an era of dawning hope and rebellious youth which is beautifully captured by director Kirill Serebrennikov.

Leto follows the rise of one of the most iconic rock musicians of 80’s Russia, Viktor Tsoi of rock band Kino and his relationship with fellow musician Mike Naumenko of Zoopark and how they both navigated artistic expression, living in relative poverty and restricted success. The film also cleverly comments on the nature of the biographical film with a character who breaks the fourth wall after certain (unrealistic) moments to insist to the viewer that that event never really happened.

There is a frenetic energy in Serebrennikov’s direction which really shines in the musical interludes which include an aggressive cover of the Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer and a dreamy rendition of Passenger by Iggy Pop. Doodles appear on the screen in these musical interludes to create a mixed media music video like moment that instantly grabs your attention.

Teo Yoo a Korean actor born and raised in Germany steals the spotlight as Viktor Tsai and his understated performance and character evolution holds the film together.

Another moment that feels so creative and fun is when the characters recreate a range of rock’n’roll album covers, the nostalgia it conjures up in this quirky sequence is undeniable.

Leto is available to rent on Mubi