A Russian teen (Oksana Akinshina), abandoned by mom, and with only a glue-sniffing boy (Artiom Bogucharski) for a friend, descends into poverty and wretchedness while dreaming of a better life elsewhere. Amazingly, director Lukas Moodysson (Together), along with his brilliant young cast, manages to make Lilya’s relentlessly dark journey compelling—without ever wallowing in misery or watering it down. (1 hr. 49 mins.; NR) — BILGE EBIRI

Opens April 11
• Showtimes & tickets (movietickets.com)

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