"ELENA shows Zvyagintsev wisely concentrating on plot, character and social/political context rather than portentous atmospherics. The cumulative impact is stunning."
Hollywood Reporter

"[S]pellbinding and impeccably crafted....Performances are superb across the board, framed in elegant widescreen compositions that simmer with violence."
Los Angeles Times

3 stars out of 4 -- "There's a kind of fascination in its unblinking portrait of characters who care about nothing but money. It concludes on a note that would distinguish a film noir..."
Chicago Sun-Times