Photophobia review down in the Kharkiv rail tunnels with a 12-year-old as the bloodshed rages overhead

"Lit by stark fluorescent lights, this subterranean hideout has no sunlight, yet it glows with the warmth of camaraderie and community. Often at Nikita's eye level, the camera observes the metro through his gaze. An air of precariousness and danger hangs in the air, as the inhabitants speak of food scarcity, illnesses caused by prolonged confinement and the bloodshed that occurs just above ground."

"Though both have experienced unimaginable loss and trauma, Nikita and his new friend Vika make up their own adventures and in these moments of play are allowed to be children again. Much of Nikita's underground adventuring is accompanied on the soundtrack by a guitarist named Vitaly, a busker in the station whose presence is akin to that of a musical narrator, adding a touch of magic that elevates the gloom."

"Through his songs, Vitaly keeps the fragile sense of normality going and it appears the desire for connection is still alive, as he cheekily flirts with another elderly woman or offers worldly wisdom to Nikita. It is clear that across generations, from the very young to the very old, the resilience of the Ukrainian people is alive and well."

Photophobia documents life in the Kharkiv metro, where thousands have sought refuge from bombing and shelling. The film centers on Nikita, a spirited 12-year-old, and captures his daily routines in this subterranean shelter. Despite harsh conditions including food scarcity, illness from confinement, and constant danger above ground, the community demonstrates remarkable resilience. Nikita and his friend Vika find moments of childhood play and adventure. Vitaly, a guitarist and busker, serves as a musical presence that maintains a sense of normalcy and connection. Through intergenerational interactions, the documentary reveals how Ukrainian residents preserve hope, camaraderie, and the desire for human connection in extraordinary circumstances.

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