THE DOLLMAKER WHOSE ‘TOYS’ WERE ACTUALLY DEAD CHILDREN

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary delves into the disturbing case of Anatoly Moskvin, a Russian academic whose fascination with death led him down a macabre path. Moskvin, a historian specializing in cemeteries, was discovered in 2011 to have exhumed and preserved the bodies of 29 young girls, presenting them as life-sized dolls in his home. The narrative explores his complex psyche, influenced by early trauma and a profound interest in folklore and the occult. Despite his intellectual pursuits and professional standing, Moskvin's life was characterized by profound isolation and a warped sense of compassion, as he claimed to be caring for the deceased. The film unflinchingly examines the societal shock and the deep grief inflicted upon the victims' families, while also touching upon Moskvin's mental state, which ultimately led to him being deemed unfit for trial and placed in psychiatric care. It's a chilling exploration of obsession and the darker corners of the human condition.