CultureHow did the creator of Russia’s soothing cartoon dog make an 18+ horror hit?

Leonid Shmelkov’s adult art-house feature Nepokoy, or Restlessness, is now in Russian cinemas. Adult animation rated 18+ remains rare in Russia and around the world, yet the film has already become a phenomenon and the highest-grossing Russian animated movie for adults. Yuri Norstein has praised it, while its heroine has been made into a traditional Dymkovo clay figurine. The surreal puzzle follows two travelers trapped in a mysterious roadside hotel run by the eccentric Madam. Critic Anton Khitrov examines how to interpret its success.

Russian animationadult animationfilmLeonid Shmelkov

MMeduza★★☆☆☆2026-08-11 19:44Original