Maria Rigel's Armenian debut Thus Spoke the Wind blends poetry and tension
Russian director Maria Rigel has released her first Armenian feature film, Thus Spoke the Wind. The slow-paced drama explores family dynamics and societal pressures in rural Armenia. Its fragmented storytelling and dreamlike visuals leave much open to interpretation.
The film follows Hayk, a bullied boy, as his estranged mother Anahit returns after years away. Around them, tensions rise over gender roles, tradition, and unspoken family conflicts.
Rigel, formerly known as Mariya Batova, relocated to Armenia in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Inspired by the country's landscapes and people, she crafted a film that blends poetic imagery with harsh social commentary. The story unfolds in three parts, each beginning with a night-vision shot through a rifle scope—a recurring motif that hints at unseen threats.
The narrative resists clear timelines, with key events happening off-screen and time passing ambiguously. Hayk's struggles with bullying and his mother's return form the emotional core, while his aunt Narine's presence adds further complexity. Themes of toxic masculinity and rigid gender expectations weave through the family's interactions, though the film often prioritises mood over clarity.
American composer Steve Brand's haunting score stands out as the film's most striking element. His music underscores the tension between tradition and change, even as the plot remains elusive.
Thus Spoke the Wind is now streaming on the Klassiki platform. The film's cryptic approach may challenge viewers, but its atmospheric visuals and score leave a lasting impression. Rigel's debut in Armenian cinema reflects her deep engagement with the culture—even if its meaning stays just out of reach.
