First Look at Olga Korotko’s ‘Crickets, It’s Your Turn’: A Kazakh Perspective on ‘Promising Young Woman’ at Locarno

Variety has received an exclusive preview of Cercamon’s upcoming film, “Crickets, It’s Your Turn,” a gripping revenge drama set to premiere at Locarno.

Directed and written by Olga Korotko, who also created “Bad Bad Winter,” the film centers on Merey (Inzhu Abeu), a resident of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Her life takes a turn when she meets Nurlan (Ayan Batyrbek), who introduces her to his friends. Despite a rocky start, Merey agrees to attend his birthday party in the mountains, but soon questions what could go wrong.

Korotko elaborated on the film’s title, explaining that it reflects her critique of patriarchy, which she views as a byproduct of a broader social Darwinist outlook. “Patriarchy is just one aspect of a worldview that values strength, dominance, and toxic competition. I wanted to highlight its traits, almost turning them into a joke, but this joke is far from amusing. It’s a real issue with tragic consequences,” Korotko told Variety.

She emphasized that societal change is needed to redefine success and that this issue is not limited to Kazakhstan but is a global concern. Korotko’s approach blurs the lines between genres, combining drama, comedy, thriller, and theatrical elements.

The film portrays Merey’s resistance through mockery and theatrical fantasies, eventually leading her to real actions and artistic expression. She uses her camera to document the lives of vulnerable women, offering a moment of genuine connection despite the chaos.

Korotko acknowledged the film’s parallels with “Promising Young Woman” but noted its distinct approach to the theme of violence. The director aimed to provoke reflection rather than evoke emotional responses.

“Crickets, It’s Your Turn” challenges the survival-of-the-fittest mentality and explores the idea that combating social Darwinism requires a different approach, one that seeks profound and transformative change.

Produced by Korotko and Etienne de Ricaud, the film promises to resonate with audiences seeking thought-provoking narratives. Cercamon’s Sebastien Chesneau praised Korotko’s blend of personal storytelling with social commentary, highlighting the film’s potential to engage viewers in critical discussions.