"Mr. Nobody Against Putin Review : A Classroom Becomes The Front Line

The first time I remember seeing the term “whistleblowing” was in the early nineties when my history teacher gave a lecture on Ralph Nader. Over time, I’ve grown to respect anyone willing to risk it all for the sake of the greater good. So, naturally, a documentary titled “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” caught my attention.

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is a thought-provoking documentary that gradually reveals its depth—initially disarmingly warm, it ultimately presents a sobering examination of serious issues. Directed and co-directed by talented filmmakers, this collaboratively crafted film unfolds as a real-time moral reckoning in the fluorescent-lit hallways of a Russian primary school, juxtaposed with significant historical events unfolding outside.

At the center of the film is Talankin, an engaging protagonist whose warmth and humor create an intimate connection. Widely regarded by his students as a mentor, prankster, and safe harbor, Pasha’s office serves as a refuge for many. However, this sense of sanctuary is disrupted in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the school—like numerous institutions across the country—becomes entwined in Vladimir Putin’s propaganda efforts. What begins as subtle shifts in messaging quickly escalates into more concerning developments.

Pasha’s role as the school’s videographer allows “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” to present perspectives that are often inaccessible to mainstream journalists. His footage is raw and frequently unsettling: it captures children being integrated into militarized youth groups, patriotic displays overshadowing critical thinking, and graduating students being guided toward front-line service.

This portrayal does not sensationalize the situation but instead normalizes it, making the realities even more unsettling. The film effectively illustrates how authoritarianism often permeates society—not through overt announcements but through the gradual infiltration of rituals, slogans, and compliance.

Both Borenstein and Talankin exercise commendable restraint in their filmmaking approach. Rather than relying on sensational exposés, they thoughtfully allow the inherent contradictions to surface. Pasha’s feelings of guilt, fear, and paralysis are presented as natural responses to a system designed to silence dissent. This internal struggle serves as the emotional anchor of the documentary, elevating it beyond a simple political critique.

As Pasha becomes increasingly aware that his documentation could jeopardize his safety, the film transitions toward a more suspenseful narrative, charting his courageous journey to become an international whistleblower. Throughout even the most intense moments, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” maintains focus on a vital question: what does resistance look like when the act of refusal itself becomes a means of survival?

This documentary is a sobering, humane, and quietly radical work that stands as essential viewing—not merely as a depiction of contemporary Russia but also as a poignant reminder of how easily institutions intended to nurture and protect children can be repurposed against them.

Final Grade: B+

“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” is in limited release now.