The Mystery of the Wife and the Beast

The film presents an intriguing exploration of Sergei Eisenstein, focusing on a collection of his previously unpublished drawings related to his unfinished film series, Ivan the Terrible. Artist Lydia Naumova, who collaborated with Eisenstein, preserved these unique artworks, which showcase a different side of the director compared to his well-known film work.

In The Mystery of the Wife and the Beast, Eisenstein's drawings are contrasted with rare photographs and fragments from his films. This juxtaposition reveals the softer, more human aspects of his art, diverging from the tough, irreconcilable themes often found in his cinematic narratives. The documentary delves into the complex interplay between Eisenstein's artistic vision and the cultural revolution he passionately supported, represented by the enigmatic symbols of the wife and the beast.