Everybody Dies But Me

On an ordinary Monday Katya, Vika and Zhanna stumble into a plan for their first school disco, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. The idea grows from a simple social event into the focal point of their universe, a rare chance to transform the humdrum of daily life into something electric and loud. They throw themselves into the preparations with feverish energy, coordinating outfits, rehearsals, and nerves as if the disco could rewrite who they are. The film follows their mixed feelings of anticipation and fear as friendships tighten and strains appear, painting a raw picture of adolescence in a world that rarely slows down. The result is intimate and intense without tipping into melodrama. Its pulse quickens as the weekend approaches.

Directed by Valeriya Gay Germanika, the film arrived in 2008 as a stark drama rooted in the collaboration of Alexandr Rodionov and Yury Klavdiev. With a budget of about 1.5 million dollars, it marked Germanika's bold entry into contemporary Russian cinema.

Critics note the film for its unflinching look at teenage girls negotiating friendship, pressure, and the fragile border between imagination and danger. The narrative centers on small acts of defiance and moments of tenderness that illuminate how young people construct meaning when adults seem distant. The performance of the young leads gives the story a documentary feel that makes the anxieties feel immediate rather than staged. The directing approach blends intimacy with a volatile energy, keeping viewers on edge.

The movie prompted conversations about how adolescence is depicted in post-Soviet society, showing that fierce camaraderie and vulnerability can coexist on screen. Its raw style and naturalistic performances influenced later Russian independent drama, contributing to a trend toward grittier, character driven stories about girls on the margins. Its stark performances and unvarnished tone became a talking point beyond festival circuits.

Box Office: The film grossed $270,934 worldwide, a modest figure against its 1.5 million dollar budget and its limited release across arthouse venues and international film festivals.