Disappearing Earth

Kamchatka is a symbol of isolation. Hundreds of kilometers of mountains and tundra separate it from the Russian mainland. The peninsula has no ground connections to the rest of Eurasia. No cars or railways link it to the mainland, making travel largely water and air based. Kamchatka’s unique geographic and topographical characteristics isolated it during the Soviet era, a condition that only started changing after the collapse of the USSR. The isolation of the setting finds parallels in the experiences of many of the characters, who feel isolated by their particular circumstances. For example, Lilia and the Golosovskaya sisters are confined in Yegor’s house, Zoya feels trapped inside her own home while she is on maternity leave, and Nadia cannot escape the poverty and bad relationships that plague her. Even Kyusha is unable to pry herself away from her controlling boyfriend, despite having moved away from him to attend university. The environment, therefore, mirrors the confinement experienced by the various characters.

Alyona and Sophia are symbols of innocence, youth, and vulnerability. Yegor takes advantage of their innocence by asking them for help getting to his car and then offering them a ride home.