Tchaikovsky’s Wife

Russia in the 19th century: The aristocrat Antonina Miliukova could have anything she wants. But the woman, who is as beautiful as she is intelligent, is only obsessed with marrying the famous composer Pyotr Tchaïkovsky. Surprisingly, he agrees to the liaison – primarily to counteract the ongoing rumours about his homosexuality. However, he soon blames Antonina for his own misfortune and is unable to hide his contempt. While Antonina initially endures the rejection in her state of romantic delusion, she is humiliated, dishonoured and driven increasingly insane. Director Kirill Serebrennikov draws the harrowing portrait of a self-destructive love with an exceptionally elegant narrative flow and impressive camera shots.