Mira (2022) is a Russian production directed by Dmitriy Kiselev, blending elements of science fiction, action, and drama. The film revolves around the struggle for survival between a father and his daughter on the brink of a global catastrophe. This production not only depicts the chaotic situations in the face of disaster but also explores individuals' psychological resilience, family bonds, and human relationships maintained through technology.

Plot

The film revolves around Arabov, an experienced cosmonaut working aboard the Mira space station, and his young daughter Lera, who lives on Earth. A large asteroid, initially thought to pass harmlessly by Earth, turns out to be far more dangerous than anticipated. The asteroid’s accompanying meteor fragments strike Earth, causing widespread devastation. From this point on, the narrative focuses on both the scale of the disaster and a father’s effort to guide and keep his daughter alive, using his position in space.

Cast

• Arabov (Anatoliy Belyy): One of the main characters, Arabov is the father figure at the heart of the narrative. Throughout the film, as a cosmonaut on a mission in space, he fights to protect and keep his daughter Lera alive in the face of a devastating disaster. His character stands out due to his professional experience and calm demeanor, although his internal worry and fear for his daughter are also subtly portrayed. Arabov’s role extends beyond being just a father; he is also a scientist, trying to balance scientific data with the protection of human life.
• Lera (Veronika Ustimova): The other main character and Arabov's daughter. Throughout the film, we see Lera’s relationship with her family and her struggle to comprehend the catastrophe unfolding. Initially, Lera is indifferent to her father’s concerns and focused on her own life. However, as she begins to experience the disaster more directly, she starts heeding her father’s warnings. Lera’s character symbolizes the transition from childhood to maturity.
• Other significant cast members include:
• Yevgeniy Yegorov (Misha)
• Darya Moroz (Svetlana)
• Maksim Lagashkin (Boris)
• Kirill Zaytsev (Antonov)
• Andrey Smolyakov (Fomin)

Each actor represents different perspectives of the societal structure affected by the disaster.

Filmmaking and Cinematography

Directed by Dmitriy Kiselev, the film presents a dual-layered narrative with segments set in space and scenes depicting the devastation on earth. This dual-timeline structure aims to enhance both the tension and emotional depth of the story.

The cinematography contrasts the silence of the space station with the chaos on earth. Camera angles often focus closely on the characters’ facial expressions, while wide shots emphasize the scale of the destruction. High-tech animations and CGI (computer-generated imagery) are used in scene transitions to bring the disaster's reality to the viewer.

Themes and Criticisms

On the surface, "Mira" might seem like a science fiction disaster film, but it actually explores themes such as family bonds, parenting, loneliness, responsibility, and humanity’s fragility in the face of nature. The father-daughter relationship illustrates how technology can transcend physical distance and help establish a deeper connection.

The emotional intensity of the film has generally been well-received by critics, with particular praise for the quality of visual effects, the narrative’s fictional realism, and the actors' performances. However, some reviews have criticized the film for over-dramatizing certain parts of the narrative and for moments when character depth feels superficial.