Контрибуция (2015)

В tumultuous year of 1918, the city of Perm finds itself caught in the throes of conflict as the Middle Siberian White Corps, under the leadership of the young and ambitious General Anatoly Nikolaevich Pepelyaev, seizes control. The troops, beleaguered and weary from continuous battles, struggle against a dire shortage of ammunition, uniforms, and essential supplies. In a desperate attempt to bolster the army’s dwindling resources, General Pepelyaev extends an invitation to local merchants, hoping to gather funds that could provide much-needed support to his weary soldiers. Among the gathered benefactors is the wealthy widow Chagina, who steps forward with a valuable contribution—a magnificent diamond, symbolizing her commitment to the cause. However, the following day, this precious gem mysteriously vanishes, plunging the already chaotic situation into deeper turmoil.

In response to this unexpected turn of events, the general finds himself in an untenable position and resorts to unorthodox means for resolution. He enlists the help of Andrei Murzin, a condemned investigator labeled as “red,” marking a significant shift in the narrative. Murzin, facing execution, is offered a chance at redemption: if he can recover the stolen diamond, his life will be spared. This precarious alliance sets the stage for a gripping exploration of morality, desperation, and the lengths one might go to in a time of national crisis. As Murzin delves into the underbelly of the city, he encounters a web of intrigue and deception, forcing him to confront not only the external challenges of his investigation but also the internal conflicts that arise from his past decisions. The fate of a diamond becomes a metaphor for survival and human resilience against the backdrop of a nation in disarray.