Directed by Peeter Rebane
Starring Tom Prior, Oleg Zagorodnii and Diana Pozharskaya

A secret and steamy affair between a handsome fighter pilot and a young private set against the backdrop of an Estonian air force base under Soviet rule during the Cold War. It might sound and is unfortunately portrayed more like a daring and completely made-up fantasy, yet this tale of forbidden love is indeed based on a true story.

The two men first meet shortly after Roman (played by Ukrainian actor Oleg Zagorodnii) arrives at the base where Sergey (played by co-writer and producer, Tom Prior) is counting down the days until the end of his military service. The immediate attraction between them is given the opportunity to be addressed when Sergey escorts Roman to the theatre one evening. In no time at all, word of their outing gets around and dangerously arouses the suspicions of high-ranking officials.

Taken from the memoir of the character portrayed by Tom Prior, Firebird is an entirely flat production that doesn’t even come close at making the most of its core and inherent components and inexplicably fails to recognise and seize upon its own relevance to now.

If as much attention and effort was dedicated to organically developing character and depth to story in the screenplay as were visibly devoted to beautifying these boys, we’d have a much better film. As immaculate as their hair styling and blemish-free complexions throughout may be, it only adds to the phoniness and woodenness this mutual attraction is manhandled. While the men’s physical connection is present, there is little to no chemistry is formed between them to elevate their attraction beyond those means. With a mostly unconvincing set-up and acting, a lack of fluidity between scenes and some dialogue writing and delivery problems, Firebird rarely summons the ability to engage. Some mild and much-needed suspense is injected when the threat of being found out becomes real for Roman and Sergey. The well-casted acting from the antagonists during this part of the film is certainly more convincing and effective. However, as is the case for any of Firebird’s better minutes, these moments are short-lived and don’t carry across to the next phase of the story as they ought to.

Finally, co-writers Tom Prior and Peeter Rebane disappointingly leave this story in the era it took place when in 2022, you sadly only need to cross a border to where it is set to meaningfully correspond its continuing oppression and elimination of LGBTQIA+ citizens. 

Firebird is showing in select cinemas across Australia only on Tuesday 17th May in celebration of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Moviedoc thanks Annette Smith: Ned & Co and Rialto Distribution for providing a screener link to watch and review this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

Follow on Twitter – Moviedoc / LIKE on Facebook – @moviedoc13 / Follow on Instagram – moviedoc_melbourne

©