About the Movie
My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow is a 2024 American documentary directed and produced by Julia Loktev. The film provides an intimate, ground-level portrayal of independent journalists in Russia as they face a government crackdown on free speech. Shot entirely on an iPhone, the documentary captures the harrowing reality of being a journalist in a country where speaking the truth can mean exile or imprisonment. The film documents the atmosphere in Moscow as Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, exposing the rapid descent into authoritarianism.
Plot Summary
In late 2021, Julia Loktev traveled to Moscow, where she reconnected with Anna Nemzer, a talk show host for TV Rain—Russia’s last independent news channel. Through Nemzer, she met a group of young female journalists, each labeled as "foreign agents" by the Russian government for their commitment to free speech. The film follows their daily struggles, from navigating oppressive legal restrictions to dealing with the psychological weight of censorship and exile. As the war in Ukraine begins, the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, leading many journalists to make life-altering decisions: stay and risk imprisonment, or flee their homeland. Structured into five immersive chapters, My Undesirable Friends presents a raw and deeply personal account of Russia's war on independent journalism.
Director’s Vision
Julia Loktev sought to create a vérité-style documentary that puts viewers in the room with the journalists experiencing these oppressive conditions firsthand. By filming on an iPhone, she eliminates the artificiality of traditional documentaries, allowing for a more intimate and immediate connection with the subjects. Her goal was to humanize the journalists beyond their professional roles—capturing moments of fear, resilience, exhaustion, and defiance as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment. The film serves as both a historical document and a powerful act of resistance against state suppression.
Themes
Freedom of the Press & Censorship – Examines the Russian government’s systematic dismantling of independent media.
Resilience in the Face of Oppression – Highlights the bravery of journalists risking their safety to report the truth.
Authoritarianism & Political Control – Chronicles the gradual erosion of civil liberties in Russia.
Personal Sacrifice – Explores the emotional and physical toll of fighting for free speech.
Exile & Displacement – Follows journalists as they are forced to choose between staying in Russia or seeking asylum abroad.
Key Success Factors
Unfiltered, First-Person Perspective – Loktev's close relationships with the journalists provide unprecedented access to their struggles.
Raw & Urgent Cinematic Style – The iPhone-shot cinematography enhances the immediacy of the film.
Timely & Politically Relevant – Engages with pressing global concerns about authoritarianism and press freedom.
Groundbreaking Runtime – At 324 minutes, the film challenges conventional documentary formats, allowing for deep immersion into its subject matter.
Short Summary
A gripping, real-time account of independent journalists in Moscow as they battle government oppression and the onset of war, My Undesirable Friends captures the fight for free speech in one of the most dangerous places for journalists today.
Awards and Nominations
Film Comment’s Year-End Critics' Poll 2024
Nominated: Best Undistributed Film (9th place)
Critical Reception
IndieWire – Described as "a scary and riveting portrait of Russia's last independent news channel."
Slant Magazine – Awarded 3 out of 4 stars, noting that the Ukraine invasion gives the movie its intense urgency.
Vulture – Called "the best documentary of the year," likening it to "a 5.5-hour-long panic attack" for its gripping portrayal of suppression and defiance.
Overall, My Undesirable Friends has received widespread acclaim for its bold storytelling, powerful themes, and immersive cinematography.
Online Reviews
Letterboxd – Users praise the film’s depth and emotional impact, calling it "one of the most essential documentaries of the decade."
IMDb – Holds a rating of 7.8/10, with viewers lauding its raw, unfiltered approach.
Production
Produced under Marminchilla, My Undesirable Friends was independently funded, allowing Loktev full creative control over its execution. The editing, led by Loktev and Michael Taylor, was a meticulous process, ensuring the film’s structure remains gripping throughout its extensive runtime.
Production Company
Marminchilla (USA)
Release Dates
Theatrical Premiere: October 5, 2024 (United States)
International Film Festival Circuits: Screened at New York Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival
Streaming Release: TBD
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33075192/
Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/my-undesirable-friends-part-i-last-air-in-moscow-review-1236316210/
Why to Recommend This Movie
A deeply immersive look at the dangers of being a journalist in modern-day Russia.
A powerful act of resistance against authoritarianism.
Shot in an intimate, verité style, bringing audiences directly into the experiences of its subjects.
Why You Should Watch My Undesirable Friends
Unparalleled Access – Offers a rare, inside look at independent journalism in crisis.
Timely & Politically Urgent – Addresses contemporary issues that continue to unfold in real-time.
Emotionally Powerful – Showcases the personal stakes of reporting in a hostile environment.
Bold & Experimental – One of the longest documentaries ever made, pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling.
Movie Trend: Long-Form Investigative Documentaries
My Undesirable Friends follows the trend of long-form investigative documentaries, offering an exhaustive, real-time depiction of historical events, similar to Shoah and OJ: Made in America.
Big Social Trend: Press Freedom & Government Censorship
The film aligns with the growing global conversation about press freedom, government censorship, and the personal risks journalists face when reporting on authoritarian regimes.
Final Verdict
My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow is an essential documentary for understanding the current state of press freedom in Russia. With its intimate, immersive style and harrowing real-life stakes, Julia Loktev has crafted a powerful, timely work that demands attention. Whether viewed as a political statement, a journalistic exposé, or a gripping human story, this film is one of the most important cinematic achievements of 2024.
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