From Oscars to Trenches: Mstyslav Chernov’s Haunting New Ukraine War Documentary

Bloody hell, this one’s different. Having just watched Mstyslav Chernov’s ‘2,000 Meters to Andriivka’, I’m properly shaken. While most of us were watching him collect his Oscar for ’20 Days in Mariupol’, the soldiers in his latest film were fighting – and dying – in eastern Ukraine’s unforgiving trenches.

From Red Carpet to Raw Combat

Remember when we thought war documentaries couldn’t get more intense than ’20 Days in Mariupol’? Well, strap in. Chernov’s traded his Oscar celebrations for a spot in the mud alongside Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade, and cor blimey, has he delivered something special.

I’ve seen my fair share of war docs (perks of the job and all that), but nothing quite prepares you for watching actual combat through a soldier’s bodycam. It’s like playing Call of Duty, except it’s horrifyingly real. The mission? Take back Andriivka village through 2km of forest that’s about as welcoming as a Millwall away game.

When Soldiers Become Storytellers

What sets this film apart isn’t just its nerve-shredding proximity to combat. It’s the tender moments between the blokes of the 3rd Assault Brigade that really get you. These aren’t your typical square-jawed action heroes – they’re teachers, IT workers, and regular blokes who’d rather be having a pint down the local.

The bodycams catch everything: the banter, the fear, the quiet moments before all hell breaks loose. One minute they’re sharing a smoke, the next… well, let’s just say this isn’t your typical Netflix documentary.

FAQ: Your Questions About ‘2,000 Meters to Andriivka’

Is this film more intense than ’20 Days in Mariupol’?

In many ways, yes. While ‘Mariupol’ showed the civilian impact of war, ‘2,000 Meters’ puts you directly in combat situations. The bodycam footage creates an intimacy that’s both compelling and utterly devastating.

How did Chernov film during active combat?

The documentary combines footage from soldiers’ bodycams with material shot by Chernov and his small crew. They literally embedded themselves with the 3rd Assault Brigade during the operation to retake Andriivka.

Where can I watch it in the UK?

The film’s currently making its festival rounds and will hit selected cinemas this autumn. Keep an eye on your local arthouse theatres – this isn’t one to watch on your phone.

The Reality Check We All Need

Look, I’m not going to sugar-coat it – this film will mess you up. But maybe that’s exactly what we need right now. While we’re all doom-scrolling through TikTok or debating the latest Love Island drama, there’s a war on our continent that’s claiming lives daily.

Chernov’s genius lies in making us care about these soldiers as people, not statistics. By the time you finish watching, you’ll feel like you know them. And that’s what makes the film’s inevitable losses so gut-wrenching.

Share your thoughts below – how do you reckon documentaries like this shape our understanding of modern warfare? Just remember, behind every piece of footage is someone’s son, brother, or mate who risked everything to show us the truth.