Metro (2013) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Metro (2013) is a Russian disaster thriller directed by Anton Megerdichev that takes audiences on a harrowing journey through the depths of the Moscow Metro. The film is a gripping and intense experience, filled with nail-biting suspense, action, and emotional drama. Set against the backdrop of a massive underground catastrophe, Metro not only provides thrilling set pieces but also explores human relationships and survival under extreme circumstances. This review will delve into the film’s plot, performances, direction, and where you can watch it online.
Plot Summary
The story of Metro revolves around a terrifying disaster that strikes the Moscow subway system. Due to construction and engineering miscalculations, an underground river breaches the metro tunnels, flooding them and endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers. The narrative primarily follows the lives of a few individuals who are caught in the chaos and must work together to survive.
One of the central characters is Dr. Andrey Garin (played by Sergey Puskepalis), a skilled surgeon who is traveling with his young daughter Ksyusha (Anfisa Vistingauzen). Another key figure is Konstantin (Anatoliy Belyy), a man who is having an affair with Andrey’s wife, Irina (Svetlana Khodchenkova). Fate brings these characters together as they struggle to escape the flooding tunnels, and tensions rise as personal relationships are tested amidst the life-and-death situation.
The film is a race against time as water fills the tunnels, causing panic and chaos among the passengers. As the characters fight to survive, the story touches on themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and the fragility of human life.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Director Anton Megerdichev masterfully handles the tension and pacing of Metro, delivering a disaster film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie’s claustrophobic setting in the underground tunnels adds to the intensity, creating a sense of impending doom. The disaster sequences are well-executed, with impressive visual effects that convincingly depict the chaos of a flood in the confined subway system.
The cinematography by Sergei Astakhov is one of the highlights of the film, using dark, cramped spaces and close-up shots to enhance the feeling of dread. The use of water as a constant threat—flooding, rising, and overwhelming the characters—creates a suffocating atmosphere that adds to the suspense.
The sound design also plays a significant role in building tension. The creaking of collapsing infrastructure, the rush of water, and the echoes of frantic voices amplify the sense of danger. Together with a fittingly dramatic score, these elements work to heighten the film’s emotional impact.
Performances
The cast of Metro delivers solid performances, with Sergey Puskepalis standing out as the conflicted Dr. Andrey Garin. His portrayal of a man caught between his professional duties, his responsibility as a father, and the revelation of his wife’s affair adds emotional depth to the character. Puskepalis manages to convey both vulnerability and strength, making Garin a sympathetic and relatable protagonist.
Anatoliy Belyy as Konstantin brings complexity to a character who could have easily been portrayed as a villain. Instead, Belyy shows Konstantin as a flawed but human figure, forced to confront his own moral shortcomings in the face of disaster. The relationship between Garin and Konstantin is one of the film’s key emotional arcs, as both men must set aside their personal grievances to survive.
Svetlana Khodchenkova, playing Irina, provides a nuanced performance, torn between her loyalty to her husband and her feelings for Konstantin. Although her character doesn’t spend much time in the disaster zone, her presence in the film adds emotional weight to the personal drama that unfolds alongside the action.
Anfisa Vistingauzen as Ksyusha, Garin’s daughter, also delivers a strong performance, representing the innocence caught in the middle of the chaos. Her character’s bond with her father is central to the story and adds an emotional layer to the survival narrative.
Themes Explored
While Metro is primarily an action-packed disaster film, it also delves into deeper themes such as survival, redemption, and the power of human resilience. The disaster forces the characters to confront their own flaws and make difficult choices about who they are and what they value most. As the characters battle the elements, they also face internal struggles, particularly the strained relationships between Garin, Konstantin, and Irina.
Another key theme is the fragility of human life and how quickly everything can change in the face of a natural disaster. The film emphasizes how unpredictable life is and how, in moments of crisis, people are forced to reassess their priorities and what truly matters.
Where to Watch Metro Online
For those looking to watch Metro (2013), it is available on various platforms that offer streaming, rental, and purchase options in the United States.
Subscription Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video
Metro is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers with a subscription can watch the film as part of the platform’s vast library of movies and TV shows. Amazon also provides high-definition streaming, ensuring a quality viewing experience for this visually intense film. - Tubi
Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, offers Metro in its catalog. While there may be commercial interruptions during the film, Tubi provides an accessible option for viewers who prefer not to subscribe to paid services.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or own the film, several digital platforms offer Metro for rental and purchase.
- Apple TV
Apple TV allows users to rent or purchase Metro. The rental period typically lasts for 48 hours, while purchasing grants unlimited access. Apple’s platform is available on a wide variety of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and smart TVs. - Google Play Movies
For Android users or those who prefer Google’s ecosystem, Metro can be rented or purchased through Google Play Movies. The platform is accessible on Android devices, smart TVs, and web browsers, making it easy to watch on a range of devices. - Vudu
Vudu offers Metro for both rental and purchase. Known for its high-definition streaming, Vudu is a reliable option for viewers who want to experience the film’s intense disaster sequences in the best quality possible. - YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies provides both rental and purchase options for Metro. It’s a convenient option for users who prefer to watch films directly on YouTube and enjoy the flexibility of streaming across various devices.
Conclusion
Metro (2013) is a well-crafted disaster thriller that blends intense action with emotional drama. Director Anton Megerdichev skillfully balances the high-stakes survival story with personal character arcs, resulting in a film that is as gripping as it is heartfelt. The performances, particularly from Sergey Puskepalis and Anatoliy Belyy, add depth to the narrative, while the film’s stunning visual effects and sound design make the disaster sequences truly memorable.
For fans of disaster films and suspenseful thrillers, Metro is a must-watch. Whether you stream it on Amazon Prime Video, catch it for free on Tubi, or rent or purchase it on platforms like Apple TV or Google Play, this film promises a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
