A new biographical film explores a turbulent chapter in the life of legendary Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, taking an unconventional approach to portraying one of literature’s most celebrated figures. Rather than presenting a traditional hagiography, “The Idiot(s)” deliberately strips away any romantic notions of the writer, instead depicting him as a self-destructive gambler and chronic drunk wrestling with his own failures and delusions of grandeur.
The film, directed by Polish filmmakers Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, centers on Dostoevsky’s honeymoon in Germany with his much younger wife Anna, as he struggles to complete his manuscript for “The Idiot” amid financial crisis. Johnny Flynn portrays the author as a visceral, often humiliating figure, while Aimee Lou Wood brings depth and resilience to Anna, who manages their affairs and supports her husband’s literary ambitions despite his constant setbacks. The narrative balances crude humor with intimate character study, never shying away from the less dignified aspects of their relationship.
By grounding the story in this specific, conflict-ridden period of Dostoevsky’s life, the film achieves a satirical tone that separates the artist from his work. Rather than justifying or excusing his flaws, it presents them honestly while acknowledging that value can still be found in his literary perspective. The production captures the stark contrast between the palatial world of European elites and the grimy apartments where the couple struggles, using scatological humor and cringe comedy to reinforce their outsider status.
Originally reported by Variety →
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