The Burrow: A Relentless Thrill Ride Through the Streets of Tbilisi
Giorgi Markozashvili’s The Burrow is a high-octane, action-packed thriller that grips you from the very first scene and doesn’t let go. Set in the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, the film is a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and visual spectacle, proving that independent filmmaking can still deliver Hollywood-level excitement. With a budget of just $25,000, Markozashvili has crafted a film that feels much bigger, both in scope and ambition.
At its core, The Burrow tells the story of Badri Gegeshidze (played by Otar Mikeladze), a powerful mob boss whose influence stretches across Tbilisi. He is both feared and respected, a figure of authority in a city that thrives on chaos. But Badri’s empire is threatened when the only remaining witness to his crimes, Elene (Lika Giorgobiani), prepares to testify against him. As the court date approaches, a relentless battle unfolds — some seek to protect her, while others are hell-bent on silencing her forever.
One of the most compelling elements of The Burrow is its structure. The film is divided into chapters, each shifting focus onto different key players, seamlessly turning supporting characters into protagonists in their own right. Lasha (Data Gogishvili) enters the fray with his own motivations, adding layers to the already intricate plot. Meanwhile, Dato, tasked with keeping Elene alive, finds himself confronting his own haunted past. As the tension escalates, the film transforms into a relentless manhunt, culminating in one of the bloodiest gang wars ever depicted in Georgian cinema.
A Visual and Stylistic Powerhouse
Markozashvili’s vision is evident in every frame of The Burrow. His ability to transform Tbilisi into more than just a setting, but a living, breathing character, is nothing short of remarkable. The city is captured in all its grittiness and beauty — rooftop encounters against the sprawling skyline, back alleys drenched in shadows, and neon-lit streets that pulsate with danger. The director doesn’t just show us Tbilisi; he immerses us in it.
Action, Editing, and Sound: A Symphony of Chaos
As an editor myself, I found the pacing of the film exceptional. The editing is tight, balancing moments of quiet tension with explosive bursts of action. There is never a dull moment, as each scene seamlessly flows into the next, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The sound design and score further enhance the experience, amplifying every gunshot, footstep, and whispered threat. The soundtrack is hauntingly atmospheric, adding an emotional undercurrent to the relentless action.
Final Thoughts: A Testament to Georgian Cinema
The Burrow is more than just an action film — it’s a statement. It showcases the immense talent of Giorgi Markozashvili, a filmmaker who not only directs with precision but also wears multiple hats as a screenwriter, producer, and even a composer. His passion for cinema is evident in every frame, and it’s exciting to think about what he will accomplish next.
For nearly two hours, The Burrow kept me glued to the screen, fully immersed in its world of crime, power, and survival. It’s a reminder that great cinema can emerge from anywhere, and Georgian filmmakers are ready to make their mark on the global stage. If this is just the beginning for Markozashvili, then the future of action cinema is in very good hands.
Meet the director: Giorgi Markozashvili
Giorgi Markozashvili was born on May 6, 1989, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He is the son of the renowned and honored painter artist Giorgi Markozashvili. In 2010, he graduated from the Georgian Technical University with a degree in Television and Radio Journalism, as well as Business Management.
Since childhood, Giorgi has been passionate about cinema, which later shaped his creative career. After completing university, he decided to pursue filmmaking and began directing short films and competitive videos.
The next step in Giorgi’s career was making a full-length film. Despite the film having a small budget, it required several people to take on multiple roles. In Giorgi Markozashvili’s case, he successfully performed the roles of director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and even contributed to composing the music, which gave the film diversity and originality.
Director: Giorgi Markozashvili
Runtime: 01:22:49
Georgia
Review by Darwin Reina
Filmmaker - Festival Director
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