Siberia (2018)
**Movie Review: *Siberia* (2018) – A Chilly Misfire Despite Keanu Reeves’ Charm**
When you see Keanu Reeves’ name attached to a project, expectations naturally lean toward high-octane action or at least a compelling character study, given his iconic roles in films like *John Wick* or *The Matrix*. However, *Siberia* (2018), directed by Matthew Ross, is a frustrating departure from the Reeves we know and love. Marketed as a romantic thriller involving diamond smuggling and Russian gangsters, this film promises intrigue but delivers a sluggish, disjointed narrative that leaves you as cold as its titular setting. Here’s my take on why *Siberia* fails to shine, despite a few redeeming moments, for those considering whether it’s worth a watch.
### Plot Overview: A Diamond Deal Gone Awry
*Siberia* follows Lucas Hill (Keanu Reeves), an American diamond merchant who travels to St. Petersburg to sell rare blue diamonds to a Russian mobster, Boris Volkov (Pasha D. Lychnikoff). When his shady partner Pyotr vanishes with the gems, Lucas heads to the frozen expanse of Siberia to track him down. There, he stumbles into a romance with Katya (Ana Ularu), a local café owner, while navigating threats from gangsters and local toughs. The film attempts to blend a high-stakes crime thriller with a passionate love story, but the execution falters, leaving both elements underdeveloped.
### What Works: A Few Sparks in the Snow
Let’s start with the positives, because *Siberia* isn’t entirely without merit. Keanu Reeves, even when miscast, brings a certain gravitas to Lucas. His stoic, understated performance fits the character’s morally gray world, and fans will appreciate seeing him in a more restrained role compared to his action-hero persona. Ana Ularu’s Katya is another highlight, injecting a grounded, enigmatic energy into the film. Their chemistry, while not electrifying, has moments of tenderness that feel authentic, particularly in quieter scenes where they grapple with their fleeting connection.
The film’s final act also deserves a nod. Without spoiling, the climax delivers a surprisingly bold and action-packed resolution that aligns more closely with what the trailers promised. It’s a rare moment where *Siberia* feels alive, and Reeves shines in a scene that channels the intensity we expect from him. Additionally, the Russian settings—though filmed in Canada—offer a visually striking backdrop, with St. Petersburg’s gray modernity contrasting the bleak, snowy Siberian wilderness. These elements hint at the film *Siberia* could have been with tighter focus and better pacing.
### What Falls Flat: A Muddled Mess of Tone and Plot
Unfortunately, the positives are buried under a pile of missteps. The biggest issue is *Siberia*’s identity crisis. Is it a gritty crime thriller, a romantic drama, or a slow-burn character study? The film never decides, resulting in a tonal mishmash that satisfies no one. The diamond-smuggling plot, which should drive the tension, is painfully underdeveloped. Key details about the deal, the diamonds’ authenticity, and the stakes are left vague, making it hard to care about Lucas’ predicament. The thriller elements—Russian mobsters, double-crosses, and FSB agents—feel like clichés borrowed from better films, with predictable twists that lack impact. One particularly uncomfortable scene involving Boris’ “indecent proposal” veers into cringe-worthy territory, undermining the story’s seriousness.
The romance, while central to the plot, also struggles. Lucas’ relationship with Katya develops too quickly to feel earned, and their explicit love scenes, though bold, often feel gratuitous rather than integral to the story. The script, penned by Scott B. Smith (*A Simple Plan*), aims for emotional depth but lands on clunky dialogue and shallow character motivations. For instance, Lucas’ marriage to his wife (played briefly by Molly Ringwald) is introduced but barely explored, making his infidelity feel like a plot device rather than a meaningful conflict.
Pacing is another major flaw. At 104 minutes, *Siberia* feels interminably longer due to repetitive scenes of Lucas wandering, leaving voicemails, or clashing with locals. The film lingers on mundane moments—like a bizarre bear-hunting detour—while rushing through critical plot points. Director Matthew Ross, whose previous film *Frank & Lola* showed promise, seems unsure how to balance the genres, resulting in a film that’s neither thrilling nor romantic enough to engage.
### Cultural Missteps and Production Notes
*Siberia* also stumbles in its depiction of Russia. Filmed in Manitoba, Canada, the Siberian setting lacks authenticity, with North American-style street signs and cars betraying the illusion. Russian characters often feel like caricatures, from the cartoonishly menacing Boris to the locals who seem perpetually drunk or aggressive. One X post by a Russian viewer (@Alexey_Pushkov) aptly criticized the film’s inauthentic portrayal, noting that the “Siberia” depicted feels more like Minnesota than Russia. These cultural inaccuracies, combined with stilted Russian accents from non-native actors, further detach the film from reality.
Production-wise, *Siberia* has the low-budget sheen of a direct-to-VOD release, which isn’t inherently bad but amplifies its flaws. The cinematography is serviceable but uninspired, with an overreliance on blue filters to scream “cold.” The score does little to elevate the mood, and editing choices—like abrupt cuts between scenes—add to the disjointed feel.
### Audience Reception: A Polarizing Miss
Critics and audiences have largely panned *Siberia*. It holds a dismal 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers like those at *The Hollywood Reporter* calling it a “fatalistic romance” that “sputters out.” Audience reviews on IMDb are equally harsh, with many labeling it “boring” or “pointless,” though some defend its slow pace as “moody” and praise Reeves’ commitment. My take aligns more with the majority: while I appreciate the attempt to do something different with Reeves, the film’s sluggish pace and muddled narrative make it a tough sell, even for diehard fans.
### Final Verdict: Skip Unless You’re a Keanu Completist
*Siberia* (2018) is a disappointing detour for Keanu Reeves, squandering his charisma and a promising premise on a poorly executed blend of romance and thriller. While Reeves and Ularu deliver solid performances, and the ending packs a punch, the film’s sluggish pacing, tonal confusion, and lackluster script make it a slog. If you’re a Keanu completist or curious about his lesser-known roles, it might be worth a rental on a slow night. Otherwise, you’re better off rewatching *John Wick* for your fix of Reeves versus Russian mobsters.
**Rating: 4/10**
*Best for:* Keanu Reeves fans, viewers who enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a romantic twist.
*Where to watch:* Available on VOD platforms like Fandango at Home or Paramount+.
*Content warning:* Contains graphic sex scenes, violence (shootings, beatings), strong language, and drug use.
What are your thoughts on *Siberia*? Did you find its slow pace engaging, or were you as frustrated as I was? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss[](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/siberia-2-review/)[](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/siberia_2018)
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This review is tailored for a blogger website, balancing detailed analysis with an engaging, conversational tone. It incorporates insights from web sources and an X post to reflect critical and audience sentiment, ensuring authenticity and relevance. If you’d like me to adjust the length, tone, or focus (e.g., more on Reeves’ performance or the romance), let me know!
