As a lover of films, I often come across movies that I have a deep affection for, yet can't quite place my finger on why. One such movie that immediately comes to mind is Compartment No. 6.

Many have compared this film to Before Sunrise, but that was far from what I thought. In Before Sunrise, the sexual entanglement felt apparent from the start. However, the two leads of Compartment No. 6, Laura and Lyokha, are thrown together by chance and didn't seem to be initially drawn to each other in a romantic way. It's a refreshing take on a classic romance trope that made me appreciate the characters' individual personalities even more.

As the film progresses, there are subtle yet significant moments shared between Laura and Lyokha that are suffused with a quiet warmth that made me cling to them. Perhaps it's the synchronous destitution and comfort of which they carry in themselves that resonated with me. The beauty of Russia certainly captured my heart too. It's this seeming simplicity that makes the story all the more poignant.

Throughout the runtime, the movie lengthens slow-burning, but in the most engaging way possible. Despite the lack of an overtly romantic storyline, there is an unspoken connection between the two leads that is undeniable. As another reviewer noted, it's "unromanticized," but still carries a sense of romance that pulls at your heartstrings.

One particular scene where Laura reads the words "Haista Vittu" as she smiles had a profound impact on me. I later discovered that the phrase means "Fuck You." HAHAHAHA 🤣. Despite the joke and the seeming surface-level nature of this scene, I felt a deep sense of sadness that spoke to me.

Overall, the unmatched essence of Compartment No. 6 secured its place in my heart. The unorthodox take on a classic romance trope, the subtleties, and the sheer beauty of its narrative cemented its place as one of my favorite films.