Dostoevsky: The Drunken Gambler Behind the Genius

The film "The Idiot(s)" presents a satirical and unexpectedly romantic portrait of Fyodor Dostoevsky, focusing on a specific, conflict-ridden period of his life. Johnny Flynn stars as Dostoevsky, depicted not as a wise literary figure, but as a wretched gambler, drunk and arrogant, deliberately detaching him from his acclaimed works. This portrayal emphasizes his flaws, including his struggles with gambling and drinking.

Anna, Dostoevsky's devoted wife, played by Aimee Lou Wood, carries significant dramatic weight in the narrative. The film highlights her crucial role in managing the couple's financial difficulties, stemming from Fyodor's inability to complete manuscripts. "The Idiot(s)" uses scatological humor and contrasts opulent settings with grimy living conditions.

Szumowska and Englert's direction, drawing from Andrew D. Kaufman's novel, fashions the story as a two-hander, with Anna emerging as an unassuming but powerful force. Her unwavering trust in Fyodor, even through personal tragedies and his debauchery, is central to their unconventional romance. The film cleverly demystifies historical figures, bringing them down to a more relatable, quotidian level.