In “Intercepted,” Ukrainians Are Seen and Russians Overheard

Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in early 2022, Ukrainian intelligence has been monitoring thousands of private phone calls made by Russian soldiers to their loved ones back home. The documentary Intercepted (2024), directed by Oksana Karpovych, delves into these conversations while juxtaposing them with images of the aftermath of battles across Ukraine. The film captures the eerie atmosphere of war-torn landscapes, where everyday moments are starkly contrasted with the recent violence and looming threat of more conflict.

The narrative of Intercepted unfolds in a geographical trajectory, starting from the northern regions of Kyiv and moving towards the south and east, often skirting close to active combat zones. The footage includes scenes shot immediately after skirmishes, offering a raw and immediate perspective on the impact of war. The audio of Russian soldiers’ phone calls featured in the film has been publicly released by Ukrainian authorities, with Karpovych meticulously selecting clips from approximately 30 hours of recorded conversations.

Intercepted explores the interplay between sound and image, as well as the dynamics between the invading Russian forces and the Ukrainian populace. Ukrainians are portrayed through visual imagery, while Russians are represented through their dialogues. The film predominantly consists of long, static shots, often devoid of human presence, with subtle details like curtains swaying in the wind adding to the haunting ambiance of the scenes. The juxtaposition of mundane visuals with disturbing phone conversations creates a chilling contrast, revealing the dehumanizing attitudes of the Russian soldiers towards Ukrainian civilians.

The phone calls captured in the documentary contain harrowing references to violence, including murder, rape, and other potential war crimes. The disturbing conversations highlight the normalization of brutality among the soldiers, who often receive tacit approval from their family members, predominantly women. The nonchalant manner in which these atrocities are discussed paints a chilling picture of the detachment from humanity that war can breed.

Furthermore, Intercepted demonstrates the resilience and fortitude of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians in the face of adversity. The film showcases moments where Ukrainian strength and determination shine through, countering the narratives of Russian aggression. Symbolism plays a significant role in the visual storytelling, with images of half-destroyed buildings proudly displaying Ukrainian flags as a defiant statement against the invading forces.

Intercepted (2024), directed by Oksana Karpovych, is currently showing at Film Forum until October 10.