Sputnik

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Sputnik

Released Aug 14, 2020

1h 47m

Sci-Fi

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

120 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Summoned to a secluded research facility, a controversial young doctor examines a cosmonaut who returned to Earth with an alien parasite inside of him.

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Critics Consensus

Effective space alien horror with a Soviet-era twist, Sputnik proves there are still some scary good sci-fi thrillers left in the galaxy.

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David Stratton

The Australian

As the scientist who becomes attracted to her patient, Akinshina gives a strong performance...

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 8, 2020

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Eric Kohn

IndieWire

"Sputnik" is a reminder of the mixed-bag experience that so many of them offer: It's an efficient, effects-driven ride with snippets of real ideas, but never quite willing to take them out of this world.

Rated: C+

Aug 21, 2020

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Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

Most of all, I recommend Sputnik for its monster, which will slither then stalk and snake into your brain...

Aug 20, 2020

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Julian Singleton

Cinapse

Abramenko and his crew fashion Sputnik into a well-crafted, realistic sci-fi horror film that indulges in the sparse yet delightfully gruesome moments fans no doubt expect, while also imbuing those moments with considerable dramatic heft.

Jul 12, 2025

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Brandon Stanwyck

InSession Film

Sputnik is just shy of two hours, and the first two-thirds are pretty spellbinding. The final act of the film forgoes its sense of intrigue in exchange for balls-to-the-wall, cat-and-mouse action that, while natural, doesn't quite land.

Rated: B

Jul 16, 2024

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Abramenko is constantly moving his story forward whether it’s through the chilling mystery or character growth.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 25, 2022

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Paul

God sci-fi movie without a lot long image gore. Great use of “mood” music. Really accurate depiction of USSR of the time. (I was there). I liked the overlay story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/27/20

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Cyn

3.75/5.0 STARS - Sputnik is a chilling, Cold War-era sci-fi horror that trades jump scares for slow-burning tension. Set in 1983 Soviet Russia, the story follows a cosmonaut who returns from space harboring a deadly organism — and the rebellious doctor tasked with trying to save him. While the premise isn’t entirely new, the execution is smart, stylish, and haunting. Anchored by strong performances and an eerie atmosphere, Sputnik blends body horror with psychological suspense. A couple of story beats could’ve used more clarity, but overall, this is a solid, well-crafted horror gem I’m glad I finally watched. Video review: https://youtu.be/C-2oBTNVhp4

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/03/25

Full Review

babarizam D

Great movie, sadly not known in west so a hidden jewel.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/16/25

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Ian H

Excellent creature Sci fi which evokes the Soviet era very stylishly. Strong cast and good effects.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

Full Review

Kat A

I went into this with moderate expectations, but I ended up spellbound. Each reveal felt executed perfectly. While the ending didn't go as I would have liked, I still think about this movie often. They managed to evoke a surprising amount of emotion for a movie with such a terrifying monster.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

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Craig B

Absolutely brilliant Russian horror movie. If you haven’t seen it, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/16/24

Full Review

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Egor Abramenko

Director

Pyotr Fyodorov

Konstantin Veshnyakov

Oksana Akinshina

Tatyana Klimova

Fedor Bondarchuk

Semiradov

Anna Nazarova

Nurse

Anton Vasil'ev

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Sputnik: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Summoned to a secluded research facility, a controversial young doctor examines a cosmonaut who returned to Earth with an alien parasite inside of him.

Director: Egor Abramenko
Producer: Aleksandr Andryushchenko, Fedor Bondarchuk, Pavel Burya, Vyacheslav Murugov, Murad Osmann, Ilya Stewart, Mikhail Vrubel
Screenwriter: Oleg Malovichko, Andrei Zolotarev
Distributor: IFC Midnight
Production Co: Fond kino , Art Pictures Studio, Vodorod, Hype Film
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Russian
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 14, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.2K
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby

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