THE KARAMAZOVS is a new movie based on one of the great classics, but with gender swaps and a queer twist. So, maybe “inspired by” is better, but the actual plot does follow the novel. Read our full The Karamazovs movie review here!

THE KARAMAZOVS is a movie with the iconic plot of Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov”. However, quite a lot has been altered in terms of the key characters. Mostly, we have one brother and two sisters instead of three brothers. Also, the fourth key character has been gender-swapped.

It all works surprisingly well, but I must admit, I feel you should probably know the original story from the novel to get everything out of this movie. Otherwise, I fear that too much won’t be fully understood. The runtime is just under an hour and a half, and the style is very much like the play, so it’s quite theatrical, which isn’t for everyone. Still, it does work.

Continue reading our The Karamazovs movie review below. Find it on VOD from June 3, 2025.

From Russia to the USA

While the gender-swap and queer elements will undoubtedly get the most attention (because of, let’s be real, mysogyni and homophobia), the location of the story has also been changed. Of course, nobody tends to have a problem with the language being changed to English and a more familiar time and setting.

The plot of The Karamazovs follows the core concept of the iconic novel on which it’s based. As far as adaptations go, this one hits a lot of really good notes. Sure, the movie is set in present-day USA, while the book was from Russia and released in the 1880s.

And yet, it just goes to show that the character gallery (regardless of gender) and core story are timeless.

As someone who is gay and female, I loved seeing something other than just straight white men in a story that is very universal. Also, it does make sense in this setting. All three brothers from the book could’ve been sisters, but the hybrid solution (which also features a queer element) makes perfect sense here.

The Karamazovs – Movie Review

From a book to a play to a movie

The Karamazovs is a feature film based on an original stage production, which in turn is based on one of the most famous books in the world. As this feature film is based on the play, it makes perfect sense that it would also feature the cast of the original play.

We witness one life-altering week, which is narrated by Liz (Rami Margron), who cares for the elderly and sick Patriarch Fyodor (Ezriel Kornel). During this week, we’re invited to experience the three children of this spiteful patriarch returning home.

The siblings are estranged from both their father and one another. Especially the latter is a shame, as they clearly need one another. Well, some more than others.

We have Alyosha, or just Aly (Rachael Richman), who has sought refuge in religion; Viv (MK Tuomanen) is a queer artist and struggling filmmakers, while the oldest, Dmitri (Ross Cowan), is constantly in need of money. He is quite the hustler, to be honest. Whatever each is chasing to distract themself (religion, art, or fortune), all are in a personal crisis.

And then their father, Fyodor, is murdered.

Watch The Karamazovs on VOD

Anna Brenner is the writer and director, getting her feature film debut with a screen adaptation of her own play. It seems only fair that this queer adaptation is now able to reach a large audience. Especially given that the original play opened off Broadway in New York City in March 2020.

Yes, March 2020… in New York. Obviously, the timing could not have been worse as it was forced to close after less than one week as a result of the COVID shutdown. The location of the movie was moved to Martha’s Vineyard, which seems perfect for the story, and with cold and grey weather, the backdrop was practically ideal.

I can’t say anything bad about the style of this movie. And yet, I do feel you need to be ready for a movie that feels like a theatrical movie. It’s not a bad thing, but I recognize it isn’t for everyone. Cinematographer Tatyana Stolpovskaya has made all the right choices in getting the most out of the location. And editor Yana Biryukova keeps the pace as sharp as possible.

The Karamazovs has had a strong Film Festival run. This includes winning an honorable mention for Audience Award/Best Feature Film at the 2024 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival. This was also where it enjoyed its world premiere. Now, you can watch it on VOD.

Womentainment recommendation: Don’t miss out on this if you’re familiar with the novel

I always applaud a fresh approach to stories that usually feature white male characters. Having the characters gender-swap, be queer, or of a different ethnicity is always a welcomed approach in my book. So to speak.

And yet, I do feel that this movie works at its best for anyone who is already familiar with the core plot. In other words, anyone who has read “The Brothers Karamazov” and wants a fresh take on the plot should definitely check out this movie.

The Karamazovs is out on VOD from June 3, 2025.

Director: Anna Brenner
Writers: Anna Brenner, Rafael Jordan
Cast: Rachael Richman, MK Tuomanen, Ross Cowan, Rami Margron, Ezriel Kornel

Official plot:

Haunted by the long-buried pain of hazy memories, the estranged Karamazov siblings must finally face the truth about their family’s dark past … and each other.