Olga Korotko’s Locarno Player ‘Crickets, It’s Your Turn’ Offers Khazak Twist on ‘Promising Young Woman’: Watch the First Clip (EXCLUSIVE)

As a woman who has navigated through the complexities of society and its often toxic masculine structures, I find Olga Korotko’s work to be profoundly resonant and thought-provoking. Her film “Crickets, It’s Your Turn” is not just a tale of revenge, but a poignant commentary on societal norms and the pervasive mindset that prioritizes strength, domination, and toxic competition over empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

EbMaster has been granted exclusive pre-release access by sales company Cercamon to a segment of their upcoming revenge story, “Crickets, It’s Your Turn,” before its debut at the Locarno Film Festival.

As a seasoned film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I find myself drawn to films that offer a unique perspective and authenticity. “Almaty” by Olga Korotko certainly fits the bill, hailing from Kazakhstan and showcasing a story set in the bustling city of Almaty.

As a film enthusiast, I want to clarify that in the movie, I’m not merely criticizing patriarchy. To me, patriarchy represents a symptom rather than the core issue. It’s a result of a deeply-rooted worldview influenced by social Darwinism, which views the world as a battleground where success can only be achieved through power, dominance, and unhealthy competition.

“The concept of patriarchy arises from certain perspectives in our society, and I aimed to shed light on its traits, even using humor as a means, but remember, this humor is not amusing. The term ‘almost’ is crucial here because the joke isn’t funny at all. Unfortunately, there are real people who endure suffering due to patriarchy, and the results of such a mindset can be devastating.”

She explained that’s why the movie is titled “Crickets, It’s Your Turn”, similar to what you say when nobody laughs at a joke.

“To transform as a global community, it’s essential that we reshape our understanding of what constitutes an individual, national, or societal success. This perspective isn’t exclusive to Kazakhstan; it’s prevalent worldwide.”

Korotko’s method promotes a fusion of different genres, creating a dynamic interplay where the lines separating drama, comedy, thriller, and dramatic elements become blurred and intricately entwined.

“She pointed out that while these scenes seem like products of Mercy’s imagination, they actually have strong connections to reality.”

“Merey responds to adversity by turning serious situations into comedic spectacles, making them seem ridiculous and humorous through exaggerated imaginative scenes. Yet, she doesn’t just rely on satire; Merey transforms her protests into tangible actions and, above all, expresses them through her art. Using a camera, which is often associated with objectification, Merey instead showcases the essence, depth, and individuality of women in our society who are most exposed, such as sex workers.”

At the movie event, a band of sex workers were brought in for the celebration. Over time, they found themselves providing mutual aid, including Mary.

In my own words, I’d say: “When these ladies find themselves away from that setting and together, they truly reveal their authentic selves. It’s a realm where trust and honesty thrive, a place where it feels safe to expose our vulnerabilities, knowing there’s no danger of being judged or exploited by someone more powerful.”

“Perhaps this moment in the movie is incredibly heartfelt; it’s devoid of nonsensical elements, exaggerations, or distorted portrayals. I aimed to capture a true, emotional bond between humans.”

The movie doesn’t have many instances like that, but it presents a Kazakh take on “Promising Young Woman” instead.

Recently, there was a court case centered around Bishimbayev, a prominent figure who tragically killed his wife through severe abuse. It’s crucial to note that this is not an isolated occurrence. Although the film tackles a sensitive and relevant issue, I found myself viewing it with a sense of detachment. In this specific context, raw emotions, regardless of their authenticity or significance, are less helpful.

“It’s common knowledge that violence is unjust. Talking about it in an emotional way won’t lead to fresh insights. Instead, I wanted to make a movie where viewers can take on the role of a detached observer. We should feel for the main character, but not let our emotions cloud our judgment, allowing us to reflect upon the story.”

In the movie, Merey and Korotko ponder if it’s truly necessary for the world to continue revolving based on the principle of “survival of the fittest.”

“The director mentioned that while crafting the script, it was clear that an expected or narrative-fitting ending could have been a ‘revenge story’ about our main character seeking justice independently. However, this would go against the message they wanted to convey to the viewers.”

“It’s worth considering that individuals who embrace the ‘philosophy of the peacock,’ a perspective focusing on creating beauty in the world, might find themselves at a disadvantage when engaging opponents of social Darwinism in their own domain, employing their strategies of power and control.”

“Conquering those who rely on raw strength and aggression through matching or exceeding their power isn’t feasible. Instead, we should opt for another strategy, one that might take time to materialize and may not be instantly apparent but ultimately leads to profound transformation.”

The phrase “Crickets, It’s Your Turn” was created by both the director and Etienne de Ricaud, with the former being from Seven Rivers Productions and the latter from Caractères Productions.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to be part of the team working on this project due to Olga’s extraordinary knack for weaving deeply personal narratives with insightful social critique – a blend that promises an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience. (Sebastien Chesneau, Cercamon)

“This movie delves into the chilling aftermath of what appears to be an ordinary night that spirals into a harrowing ordeal of survival. In today’s world where viewers are increasingly attracted to stories that defy conventional wisdom and stimulate reflection, I am convinced that such a film, with its captivating plotline and potent message, is precisely what the audience has been eagerly anticipating.”

2024-08-12 12:47

Olga Korotko’s Locarno Player ‘Crickets, It’s Your Turn’ Offers Khazak Twist on ‘Promising Young Woman’: Watch the First Clip (EXCLUSIVE)

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