The Betrayers is a Canadian-Ukrainian drama film, directed by David Bezmozgis and released in 2026."Films from Ron Murphy, Marie Clements programmed at TIFF". Lethbridge Herald, August 4, 2026. An adaptation of his own 2014 novel of the same name, the film centres on Baruch (Michael Aronov), an Israeli politician and former Soviet dissident disgraced by scandal, who takes refuge in Crimea where he unexpectedly encounters Volodya (Simon McBurney), the man who originally betrayed him to the KGB many years earlier.Melanie Goodfellow, "David Bezmozgis Sets Principal Photography For Film Adaptation Of Crimea-Set Novel ‘The Betrayers’ – Cannes Market". Deadline Hollywood, May 13, 2025.
The cast also includes Kaelen Ohm and Tina Benko, as well as Roxanna Hope Radja, Elan Even, Aharon Jinjihashvili, Shauna MacDonald, Tara Nicodemo, Alex Ozerov-Meyer, Viktorija Portnova, Ronan Quiniou and Trudy Weiss in supporting roles.
Distribution The film premiered in the Centrepiece program at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.Kate Erbland, TIFF Adds More Than 60 New Titles, Including Festival Winners ‘La Gradiva’ and ‘Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty!’". IndieWire, August 4, 2026.
Critical response For That Shelf, Rachel West wrote that "Bezmozgis’ ownership of the story works in his favour. He focuses on the key points of his novel and translates them to the screen with precision. At times, the film feels akin to a John le Carré novel, demonstrating a keen understanding of when to pull back and when to hold onto a moment. The characters leap from the page while retaining the fullness they have in the novel."Rachel West, "The Betrayers Review: TIFF 2026". That Shelf, September 12, 2026.
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