Written and directed by Yegor Troyanovsky, two medics at the frontline of Ukraine’s war try to hold on to fragments of the normal life they had before, hoping they can go back when the war is done.
When you think of war documentaries, what comes to mind is probably heavy tomes on the violence, the struggle and the trauma, and you do get all of those things in Cuba & Alaska but they’re framed in such a unique way, that it’s a completely different experience. That’s what is truly fascinating about this film, Yegor Troyanovsky builds the entire atmosphere around the personalities of his subjects, Cuba and Alaska who are so effervescent and joyous, even in such dire circumstances. Their strength and resilience are almost unbelievable, that they can just be themselves and not be weighed down by the conflict going on around them, simply focusing on the job at hand and letting that danger roll off their backs.
To capture that and to then still portray the weight of the battles that they’re facing is genuinely impressive. Troyanovsky gives audiences the harder moments and they’re harrowing to watch, but even more so because it’s so intimately connected with Cuba & Alaska. It’s an interesting contrast that having that lighter edge makes the heavier scenes hit even harder. Especially as there’s a clear effort to include graphic detail to drive home the danger but never exploit it. The balance of capturing the violent consequences to the attacks is well done.
The choices of footage in general, and the editing work (by Joëlle Alexis), feel similarly a great mix of that intimacy and their harsh work as medics. The way that it’s put together and flows allows you to get the wider picture of Cuba & Alaska’s lives and who they are as people, outside of their roles in the war. As well as capturing the incredible friendship that they share and how they are vulnerable with one another in moments of struggle. On top of how well they manage difficult situations, those are two women that you want by your side in dangerous times. They’re utterly committed and have nerves of steel.
Cuba & Alaska brings a whole new perspective to war documentaries, managing to create an entirely new balance between light and dark. Yegor Troyanovsky does such a fantastic job of capturing these two women and the many wonderful qualities that they have to offer, as well as portraying the reality of the war. It’s almost a love-letter to them but is also a timely reminder of the ongoing conflict and how many people are suffering and losing loved ones.
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