Matilda (Russian: Матильда) is а 2017 Russian historical romantic drama film directed by Alexey Uchitel. It was released in cinemas on October 26, 2017. The picture tells the story about the relationship between ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya and Nicholas II. Criticised by monarchist groups as a "distortion of historical events" and an "anti-Russian and anti-religious provocation", the film became the subject of fierce controversy, which included attempts to ban the film, threats to film distributors and arson.