How do you get divorced when a war breaks out next door?

Synopsis

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2022. High-flying executive Marija chooses the worst possible moment to inform her husband Vytas she wants a divorce: just one day before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Suddenly the couple must navigate the process of separation as it collides with a refugee and mid-life crisis. A struggling film director, Vytas is put into a tight spot by having to move in with his Russophile parents, while Marija struggles to find her footing as the war affects both her business and home life. As the reason for the divorce gradually becomes clear, the dissolution of Marija and Vytas’ marriage creates conflicts and opportunities for both of them, while also affecting their ever-observant young daughter Dovile. Packed with surprises along with much heartache and soul searching, Andrius Blaževičius’ nuanced and timely family drama skillfully depicts the fallout of a marriage against the backdrop of extraordinary events with humor and compassion.

How to Divorce During the War (Skyrybos karo metu) is 1 hour 48 minutes long and in Lithuanian, English, Ukrainian, and Russian with English subtitles. This film is not rated.

Trailer

Reviews

Slant Magazine (William Repass): How to Divorce During the War Review — Andrius Blaževičius Melds the Personal and Political

In Review Online (Joshua Polanski): How to Divorce During the War — Andrius Blaževičius [Review]

Film-Forward (Caroline Ely): How to Divorce During the War

Awards and Festivals

• 2026 Sundance Film Festival – Directing Award, World Cinema Dramatic (Andrius Blaževičius)
• 2026 Hong Kong International Film Festival – Golden Firebird Award for Best Director, Young Cinema (Andrius Blaževičius)
• 2026 Las Palmas International Film Festival – Silver Lady Harimaguada for Best Film
• 2026 Uruguay International Film Festival – Special Jury Award
• Lithuania’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards