Ivan Kravchyshyn

Nestor Ivanovich Hreem, a nuclear physicist known for his unwavering principles, is imprisoned and recounts his story to a police investigator. In a world where truth is subjective and betrayal is common, Nestor struggles to maintain his integrity. The narrative reflects on the aftermath of the Chornobyl tragedy and the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, highlighting the scarcity of individuals who remain loyal to their beliefs despite societal pressures.

A little girl, who is a poet and whose daddy calls her a boy's name, Mykola, tells three stories that happened in her village – about the football match, the wedding, and the strange testament. Mykola knows everything, because of what her grandpa told her: it's not good to lie; a guy has to be led over the water so that he was forever faithful; a movie in the sky is more interesting than a movie in the cinema; and a human life is like the flight of a golden fly over the fire – similarly bright and similarly short.

A Red Army convoy transporting a large amount of cash is apparently ambushed by anarchists led by Makhno. In a twist of betrayal, the Red Army set up the attack to eliminate the anarchists. Two of the anarchists and one Red Army soldier survive, and like an American Western, they reconcile their differences to join forces against the Red Threat.