Stalker is a 1979 Soviet science fiction art film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky with a screenplay written by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
The film tells the story of an expedition led by a figure known as the "Stalker" (Alexander Kaidanovsky), who guides his two clients—a melancholic writer (Anatoly Solonitsyn) seeking inspiration, and a professor (Nikolai Grinko) seeking scientific discovery—through a hazardous wasteland.
Supposed to watch this ASAP. Thanks for the reminder. I heard it's important to not split it up and it's been hard finding 2hr 45min with no distractions.
Looking forward to seeing this then playing the first STALKER video game. I know it's loosely based but gotta do it this way.
It's a bit of a slog at times but fully worth it. Definitely hide your phone before you start as there are some sections where the temptation is overwhelming (at least, I found them to be.)