A new ⁢voice in​ cinema: ‘Crickets, It’s Your ⁣Turn’ challenges societal norms

A fresh take‍ on revenge

In the world of cinema, few films manage to blend genres and deliver a powerful message as effectively as “Crickets, It’s Your Turn”.‌ Directed by ‌Olga Korotko, known for her previous work “Bad Bad Winter,” this film is set to premiere at⁣ the Locarno Film⁤ Festival. The story revolves ​around Merey, played by⁢ Inzhu Abeu, who lives in‌ Almaty, ‍Kazakhstan. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Nurlan, portrayed by Ayan Batyrbek, and is introduced to his friends. Despite an initial ⁣rocky⁣ encounter, Merey agrees ⁣to attend Nurlan’s birthday party in the mountains, setting the stage for a series of unexpected events.

Watch the trailer for “Crickets,​ It’s Your Turn”

Unpacking the film’s ‌deeper message

Korotko’s film ‌is not just a simple revenge tale. It delves into the broader societal ⁢issues rooted ⁣in patriarchy and social Darwinism. The director explains that‍ patriarchy is merely a symptom of a worldview ​that values strength, domination, and toxic competition. This perspective, she argues, ⁢is pervasive⁤ and not confined to Kazakhstan ⁣alone.

“Patriarchy is a ⁢product of this worldview, and I wanted to highlight its characteristics, almost turning them into a joke. The⁣ keyword is ⁤’almost’ because this joke is​ not funny. There are real victims who suffer, and the consequences of such‍ a perspective can ​be tragic.”

The⁣ film’s title, “Crickets, It’s Your Turn,” is a phrase used when someone makes ⁤a joke that falls flat, symbolizing the societal need for change and⁣ a⁣ redefinition of success.

Blending genres and breaking boundaries

Korotko’s approach to filmmaking is unique, as she seamlessly blends drama, comedy, thriller, and theatrical elements. This fluidity serves as a reminder that while the scenes may be part of Merey’s imagination, ‍their roots are deeply‍ entrenched⁤ in real life.

“Her method of resistance is to mock the situations, using theatrical fantasies to push them into a realm ⁣of absurdity ​and humor. ‍But Merey also learns to manifest her protest through real actions and, ⁣most importantly,‌ through ⁢her art. She wields a camera, traditionally an instrument of objectification, to capture the soul, depth, and personality of the most vulnerable women in society: call girls.”

In a pivotal scene, a group of prostitutes hired for the party ends ‍up offering each​ other support, creating a moment of genuine human connection.

“The ‌moment [these women] step out of this environment and are alone together, they become their true selves. It’s a world of mutual support and sincerity, where it’s ⁣safe ‍to be vulnerable because there’s no risk of being ‘devoured’ by someone higher up in the food chain.”

A Kazakh twist on a familiar theme

The film offers a Kazakh twist on the themes explored in “Promising Young ⁣Woman.” Korotko‌ references a real-life incident involving a powerful official who brutally beat his wife, leading to her death. This tragic event is not isolated,​ highlighting the urgent need to​ address such issues.

“We all know that violence is wrong; addressing ⁢this issue emotionally wouldn’t bring any new ​revelations. I wanted ‌to create a film where we can adopt​ the ⁤position of an observer. ⁣Empathize with the protagonist, but not become so consumed by emotion ⁢that we lose‌ the ‍ability to reflect.”

Challenging the ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality

Merey, and by extension Korotko, ​questions whether the world should continue to oscillate around the concept of “the survival of the fittest.” The director consciously avoids the typical “revenge girl” narrative, opting instead to explore a different path.

“I wanted to explore the idea that those of us who adhere to the​ ‘philosophy of the peacock’ – a worldview where the primary mission is to bring beauty into the world – ‌will inevitably lose⁤ if we try‌ to battle adherents of social Darwinism on their terms, using ​their tools of ​power and‍ domination.”

Korotko believes that it is impossible to defeat those who adhere to the philosophy of power through sheer⁢ force. Instead, she advocates for a different path, one that may not be quick or immediately obvious but promises deep and significant change.

A collaborative effort

“Crickets, It’s Your Turn” is produced by Korotko and Etienne de Ricaud for Seven Rivers and Caractères Productions, respectively. The film’s unique blend of⁣ intense, personal storytelling with⁢ broader social commentary makes it ‌a compelling watch.

“The film ⁣explores the chilling consequences of a⁢ seemingly innocent ⁣night that devolves into a dark game of survival. In ​an era where audiences​ are increasingly drawn to ​narratives that challenge the ​status quo and provoke thought, I believe‌ a ⁢film like this, with its gripping story and powerful message, is exactly what people are waiting for.”

In a world where cinema often mirrors‍ society, “Crickets, It’s Your Turn” stands out ​as a‍ poignant reminder of the need for change and ⁤the power of art to inspire it.