“Sputnik,” directed by Egor Abramenko, is a Russian science fiction horror film set in 1983 during the Cold War. The story revolves around Tatiana Yurievna, a controversial yet brilliant psychologist who is recruited by the military to assess a cosmonaut, Konstantin Veshnyakov, who has returned from a space mission under mysterious circumstances.

After a Soviet spacecraft crashes upon re-entry, Konstantin is discovered to be the sole survivor, but something is terribly wrong. The military takes him to a secluded facility, suspecting he might be hosting an alien parasite. Tatiana is brought in to evaluate Konstantin’s mental state and determine if he can be cured.

As Tatiana delves deeper into her assessment, she discovers that an alien creature has indeed taken residence inside Konstantin, emerging from his body during the night to feed on human fear and aggression. The bond between Konstantin and the creature is both symbiotic and terrifying, presenting a unique challenge to Tatiana, who must navigate the complex dynamics between the host, the parasite, and the military’s agenda.

Tatiana’s ethical and moral convictions are put to the test as she forms a connection with Konstantin, who is both a victim and a potential threat. Her attempts to separate the alien from Konstantin without harming him clash with the military’s more pragmatic and ruthless approach, which prioritizes the containment and weaponization of the alien entity.

The film builds tension through atmospheric settings, psychological drama, and the constant threat posed by the alien creature. Tatiana’s struggle to save Konstantin while uncovering the truth about the alien’s nature leads to a dramatic and suspenseful climax, where she must confront both human and extraterrestrial dangers.

“Sputnik” explores themes of fear, control, and the human spirit’s resilience against unknown horrors. Through its gripping narrative and chilling visuals, the film provides a thought-provoking examination of humanity’s response to the unknown, blending elements of horror and science fiction to deliver a compelling and eerie experience.