The first trailer for Rhino, Oleg Sentsov’s crime drama set in 1990s Ukraine, has been released. It’s produced by WestEnd Films and set for its world premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival on September 10th, with Sentsov and the cast planned to be in attendance.
This is Sentsov’s first film made entirely since he was released from prison in Russia, where he was condemned for years, deemed corrupt by multiple human rights organizations, according to Deadline.
The plot revolves around an angry delinquent, a young man nicknamed Rhino who quickly works his way up the criminal hierarchy in 90s Ukraine. Known for his power and cruelty, he seeks to break that cycle and find redemption.
The trailer begins with the early life of our protagonist, with a voiceover explaining the mindset of a kid going through struggles and eventually growing up to realize the adult world is a different animal. Boxing, brutal beatings, and gangs permeate the screen. The fast life, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll all have a sense of raging violence for those caught up in the underworld.
Rhino may excite audiences enough to make a splash this awards season. Judging from the trailer, the film gives off This is England and Corpus Christi vibes, so it could be a must-see. Check out the trailer below!