In the Moscow Slums

“Хитровка. Знак четырёх” is a 2023 Russian crime film directed by Karen Shakhnazarov, which combines elements of Arthur Conan Doyle’s literature with the historical realities of Moscow at the beginning of the 20th century. Inspired by the novel The Sign of the Four and the writings of journalist Vladimir Gilyarovsky, the film brings to the fore two emblematic figures of Russian culture: theater director Konstantin Stanislavski and journalist Gilyarovsky, transformed into amateur detectives in a story full of mystery and adventure.

The action takes place in 1902, when Stanislavsky, in search of inspiration for his staging of Maxim Gorky’s play The Night Asylum, decides to explore life in the slums of Moscow. Together with Gilyarovsky, an expert on the city’s poor neighborhoods, he enters the Khitrovka area, a place notorious for crime and squalor. There, the two become involved in an investigation into the murder of a friend of Gilyarovsky’s, known as the Rajah, and uncover a complex web of intrigue involving a fallen countess, a mysterious Englishman, and a missing emerald necklace.

The film’s cast is remarkable, with Konstantin Kryukov as Stanislavsky and Mikhail Porechenkov as Gilyarovsky. Anfisa Chernykh plays the Countess, an enigmatic thief, adding depth and mystery to the story. The presence of historical figures such as Anton Chekhov and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko lends authenticity and cultural richness to the narrative.

Visually, the film impresses with its detailed reconstruction of Moscow at the beginning of the 20th century. The elaborate costumes and meticulously crafted sets recreate the atmosphere of the era, from the opulence of aristocratic salons to the squalor of the slums. Oleg Lukichyov’s cinematography masterfully captures the contrast between these worlds, highlighting the social and cultural tensions of the time.

However, the film is not without its critics. Some viewers found the narrative pace uneven and certain elements of the plot predictable. Some also noted that, although the film attempts to pay homage to Conan Doyle’s style, it does not always manage to maintain the suspense characteristic of the original stories. However, the acting performances and the overall atmosphere of the film were appreciated by most critics.

In conclusion, Хитровка. Знак четырёх is an ambitious attempt to combine classic British literature with Russian history and culture. While it doesn’t always reach the full potential of its premise, the film offers an interesting and visually captivating cinematic experience. For lovers of historical mysteries and those interested in exploring the intersection of fiction and reality, this film is worth watching.