Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, Gagarine is a Drama, Fantasy film directed by Fanny Liatard, written by Fanny Liatard. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Alséni Bathily as Yuri.

What Is the Story of Gagarine?

This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Yuri, 16, has lived all his life in Gagarin Towers, a vast red-brick housing project on the outskirts of Paris. He dreams of becoming an astronaut. When plans to demolish Gagarin Towers leak out, Yuri joins the resistance. With his friends Diana and Houssam, he embarks on a mission to save their home, which has become his “starship.” The screenplay takes time to develop Alséni Bathily's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.

How Is Gagarine Structured?

  • Opening Hook: We meet Alséni Bathily as Yuri in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Fanny Liatard builds this foundation carefully, and over its 95-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Alséni Bathily's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Alséni Bathily's arc to its natural conclusion. Fanny Liatard's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.