Anya, an aloof and love-spurned graduate student, is on the run from the police when she encounters young Kristina, a precocious orphan determined to find the only family she has left. When Kristina offers Anya a solution to her desperate situation, Anya reluctantly agrees. The unlikely pair embark on a harrowing and unpredictable odyssey hitchhiking across the intimidating terrain of Russia. Director Ilmar Raag gorgeously showcases the vast landscapes of the region while capturing the raw emotional dynamic between the characters. Newcomer Vika Lobacheva delivers an unforgettable performance as the loyal, sprite-like Kristina. I Won't Come Back is a visceral look at survival and a heartfelt exploration into the depths of friendship and the meaning of acceptance.

-Holly Voges