We learn next to nothing about the background of Laura or Lyokha (Yuri Borisov). In fact, the movie was almost over before I knew his name. It doesn’t matter: we can see he is damaged, she is lonely, that he fears his emotions, or the vulnerability in being kind. We can see, if you want to extrapolate, the whole uneasy history of Finland and Russia in the way these two relate, but it’s not necessary to the process of getting caught up in their story.

It’s that kind of movie: days and days go by in the white wilderness, which we seldom see except from inside the train. Very little happens between these two unhappy souls. And then, as the end nears, I found myself hoping it would keep going. Go figure. It takes quite some skill to be that crafty.

Compartment No. 6 is in cinemas from June 30.

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