The Burrow — A Gripping Georgian Thriller That Stays With You
The Burrow is one of those rare thrillers that grabs you from its opening frames and doesn’t let go until the very last moment. Directed by the talented Giorgi Markozashvili, this Georgian gem is a testament to how well-crafted storytelling, strong performances, and precise technical execution can create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
At its core, the story follows a young woman preparing to testify in court and placed under protection in a safe house. What could have been a straightforward setup quickly turns into a tense, unpredictable fight for survival. The film masterfully explores themes of danger, trust, and resilience, keeping the audience guessing as allegiances shift and stakes rise.
The performances are nothing short of outstanding. Every actor brings depth and authenticity to their role, making the emotions on screen feel raw and immediate. The portrayals of fear, courage, and moral conflict are magnetic — whether it’s in the quiet moments of uncertainty or the explosive confrontations. The ensemble captures the heart of the story: the constant push and pull between protecting, killing, and surviving. Their work makes each scene feel alive, urgent, and utterly believable.
Visually, The Burrow is striking. The cinematography is deliberate and precise, using framing and movement not just to capture action, but to build atmosphere. Every shot feels intentional — from the tense close-ups that reveal a flicker of doubt, to the wide compositions that place characters in the crosshairs of danger. The lighting choices heighten both mood and realism, while the editing keeps the pacing sharp without sacrificing clarity.
Markozashvili’s direction is confident and precise. He knows exactly when to let a scene breathe and when to tighten the screws, creating a rhythm that keeps you invested from start to finish. The film never indulges in unnecessary excess — the violence is shown with restraint, making it all the more powerful when it does erupt.
Thanks to the entire Georgian cast and crew, The Burrow feels authentic, rooted in its culture yet universal in its themes. This is not just a film made in Georgia — it’s a film that shows Georgia can stand proudly alongside the best in international cinema.
In the end, The Burrow is more than just a story about good versus evil. It’s a tense, emotionally charged journey into the moral gray areas of survival, loyalty, and justice. With gripping sequences of pursuit, kidnapping, and confrontation, it leaves you breathless yet satisfied — a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
For anyone who loves intense, well-made thrillers that combine heart-pounding action with genuine human drama, The Burrow is an absolute must-watch.
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
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Review by Débora Artieda
Filmmaker - Festival Organizer
Débora Artieda is an accomplished assistant director, festival organizer, and long-time collaborator in the international film scene. Originally starting out as a passionate film enthusiast, she has spent the past six years serving as both a jury member and organizer for prestigious events such as The North Film Festival in New York and Barcelona, as well as the Love & Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona. She also plays a key role in the Los Angeles Fantasia Film Festival, dedicated to animation, horror, and sci-fi.
An active presence at the Festival de Cannes and Marché du Film for the past four years, Débora helps lead annual delegations of filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and present their work on one of cinema’s most celebrated stages. Her experience spans over 120 film festivals worldwide, where she has built lasting industry relationships and championed independent creators.
Currently, she is working on the development of a debut horror feature film directed by Darwin Reina with a budget of €1 million, continuing her commitment to bringing ambitious and original stories to the screen.
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