Sundance 2026: How to Divorce During the War: Love in the Shadow of Sirens
Andrius Blazevicius crafts a compelling portrayal of how to divorce during wartime, pulsating with a steady, human heartbeat as it unfolds in Vilnius amidst the tense early days of 2022. The film begins with Marija, a determined executive portrayed with luminous restraint by Zygimantė Elena Jakštaitė, choosing a moment of global upheaval to reveal to her husband Vytas that their marriage is at its end. This timing amplifies every gesture, silence, and attempt at clarity, infusing the story with a tender, hovering energy that captures the raw complexity of difficult choices.
Marius Repšys skillfully brings Vytas to life with a warm, grounded presence, painting a vivid portrait of a man feeling the world shift both beyond and within his home. His scenes with Jakštaitė exude a familiar, lived-in quality, as if the couple has endured years of shared joys and struggles. Their interactions flow with a gentle rhythm, reflecting Blazevicius’s keen eye for the small, telling details of domestic life under pressure.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds, Vilnius becomes a refuge for fleeing families, while a couple’s private unraveling mirrors a city grappling with waves of fear, hope, and sudden responsibility. Blazevicius masterfully weaves this volatile backdrop, letting the crisis resonate through the characters’ choices without overpowering them. The delicate presence of young Amelija injects a tender innocence, a reminder of the fragile futures shaped by the weight of adult decisions.
The film’s true power emerges from its harmonious blend of the personal and the political, the intimate and the communal. Marija’s ambitious spirit contrasts vividly with Vytas’s steady presence, creating a compelling dynamic. Their struggle to stay connected amid uncertain collective times imbues the story with a subtle, captivating glow. Each scene is alive with the awareness that life persists, even as the world around them trembles.
Blazevicius’s direction captures the audience with its clarity and emotional honesty, allowing the cast to truly shine. Repšys delivers a nuanced performance filled with subtle, expressive shifts, while Jakštaitė infuses Marija’s choices with sharp intelligence. Together, they craft an intimate portrait of a marriage unfolding in real time, shaped by both personal struggles and historical forces.
How to Divorce During the War emerges as a poignant film of quiet resilience, immersing viewers in a heartfelt journey that honors the intricate lives of its characters and their challenging circumstances. It leaves a lasting impression, inspiring hope through acts of courage, tenderness, and an unwavering pursuit of renewal.
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