Beanpole is a 2019 Russian drama film directed by Kantemir Balagov. The movie follows the story of two female soldiers, Iya and Masha, who return to Leningrad after World War II. They both suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and attempt to rebuild their lives in the devastated city.
Iya worked as an anti-aircraft gunner and accidentally killed her friend's son during the war. As a result, she experiences frequent fainting spells and becomes emotionally detached from the people around her. She works as a nurse in a hospital where she takes care of a young boy who also suffers from PTSD.
Masha, on the other hand, served as a front-line medic and returns home with a hardened personality. She works at a local party office and struggles to start a family with her husband who was also injured in the war.
As the story unfolds, Iya and Masha's friendship is tested as they navigate the challenges of life in post-war Leningrad. Themes of trauma, loss, and healing are explored throughout the film, as these women try to create a sense of normalcy in a city that has been devastated by war.