By Tyler Banark

The United States-Russia rivalry has gone back many years and has taken various forms. Whether it’s the Cold War, in the Winter Olympics, or even in film (i.e., Rocky 4), the US and Russia have always found a way to start a quarrel. However, what we Americans never see is what goes on in Russia and how not every single citizen is as fearful as Vladimir Putin. Some oppose his politics and aim to educate others on how questionable they are—people like Pavel Talankin, a schoolteacher who risks it all to expose his government. As daring as it is commendable, Mr. Nobody Against Putin tells a statement-worthy story that, at the end of the day, somehow feels safe. 

Talankin’s story begins in February of 2022, not long after Russia invaded Ukraine. In response to the occupation, the Russian government decided to mandate schools all across the country to use a curriculum that makes their attacks justifiable. Talankin decides to gather footage of what the government is having schools do. While some may look down on it and find it suspicious, he’s able to get away with it as the government encourages documentation. Talankin and American filmmaker David Borenstein showcase the curriculum in a concerning light. If a viewer didn’t know about the mandated curriculum, it might seem harmless. The curriculum aims to steer the Russian youth away from the truth: their government is attacking innocent civilians in a defenseless nation. From children practicing military marches to numerous remembrance days to commemorate the country’s “patriotism,” the curriculum proves that Putin will stop at nothing to keep the truth under wraps from the kids of Russia.

From a narrative standpoint, the movie leans too much into what’s going on at Talankin’s home front and not enough on how others like him are handling the material. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled, as Talankin is a vocal protector. He hangs a mini flag in his office to show that he doesn’t support his government and educates his students on how wrong everything Putin is doing to the citizens of Ukraine. One piece of footage he captures shows how sad a family in his town is when one of their sons shaves his head to join the army. Word of his teachings and actions spread in his small town of Karabash, sparking concern about him as an individual. Karabash is a small industrial town known for copper smelting that has experienced a tremendous population decline over the last 50 years, so it doesn’t take long for the townsfolk to learn. His actions led to certain students he loved being removed from his classes at their parents’ request. Borenstein cuts to the heart as we, the audience, know that Talankin is doing the right thing, but the price he has to pay is losing the students he loves…and eventually his freedom. 

Although Talankin’s whereabouts remain unknown as of January 2026, he fled Russia in the summer of 2024. He sought asylum along with Borenstein and the film’s producers in other European countries so that this film could be made. Mr. Nobody Against Putin proves that there are noblemen in our world who are willing to expose the truth in the face of fear. If there’s a documentary worth educating school students in today’s world, it’s Mr. Nobody Against Putin. I’m glad it’s being recognized in the States, as the Academy has nominated it for Best Documentary. If it wins, it’ll be a bold statement to the world!

3 stars