Ayka (2018)

Plot Summary: The film follows Ayka, a migrant worker in Moscow, who escapes from a hospital window shortly after giving birth. She is in dire need of money to repay her debts to criminals and struggles to find work and survive amidst the harsh winter conditions. The film is a raw and intimate portrayal of her fight for survival, emphasizing the physical and psychological toll of her circumstances.

Director: Sergey Dvortsevoy

Screenplay: Sergey Dvortsevoy, Gennadiy Ostrovskiy

Starring:
Samal Yeslyamova as Ayka
Polina Severnaya as Hospital Administrator
Andrey Kolyadov as Victor

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

A Harrowing Journey Begins

We start our trip to Kazakhstan this week, in Russia... I had no idea what I was getting myself into when choosing to watch this movie from Kazakh director Sergei Dvortsevoy. Coincidentally, I became a father again a few days ago, and this movie opens in a maternity ward in Moscow, filled with crying babies. This film is a sensory torture, utterly unpleasant, but necessarily so. Ayka, an illegal immigrant, shows you a hellish existence in a grim, snow-covered, and overcrowded city that is indifferent to your problems. Watching this in a cinema would have probably made me pass out, given the disturbing scenes where the main character is bleeding her life out down her legs. The discomfort is palpable, and I can't even imagine the smell emanating from someone in such a dire situation. This tragic movie forces you to appreciate your life and wake up saying "Спасибо, Господи" for all the comfort and opportunities you have today.

Raw Cinematography and Overwhelming Sound

The cinematography of this movie is raw and intrusive, with a shaky camera that follows Ayka closely, leaving you disoriented and confused. The sound design is equally overwhelming; the movie is incredibly noisy, bombarding your senses with the cries of babies, motor vehicles, and various urban noise pollution. There are only a few moments of peace, such as when Ayka encounters a compassionate soul who herself lives in unbelievably poor conditions. It's disheartening to see people living like this in a world of abundance, underscoring the urgent need for Universal Basic Income (UBI). Ayka's dreams of starting a sewing business were shattered by a traumatic experience, allegedly involving rape by a policeman, which derailed her life.

A Grueling Production and Sobering Reflection

Surprisingly, the story that unfolds over a week was shot over seven years. That's craaaaazy! This is a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity, meticulously researching the lives of migrant workers in Moscow. The absence of music makes the film feel more like a documentary, enhancing its painful realism. Saymal Yeslyamova acting was adequate but didn't move me to tears in the final scene. This isn't a film for the faint of heart; the sick dog scene, in particular, was also deeply unsettling. The whole action taking place in the veterinary raises the question of how people can live in such tragic conditions while pets enjoy such splendid lives. To cope with the film's impact, I watched a video of my wife leaving the maternity hospital, highlighting the stark contrast. I'm sharing the video below because this blog isn't just about me rambling about movie scenes; it's about sharing my story too. I extend my compassion to all those struggling to survive with dignity. I recommend this movie to anyone interested in the harsh realities faced by illegal immigrants in big cities.

Krasnaya's Reception Team

By the way, that's not me in the video holding the baby; it's my Russian brother. Unfortunately, I'm currently in Portugal and missed this special moment.

🎥 Cinematography (7/10):

The raw and intrusive style, with its shaky camera work and close-ups, effectively immerses the audience in Ayka's harsh reality, even if it feels overwhelming at times.

📖 Story (8/10):

The narrative powerfully portrays the struggles of an illegal immigrant in Moscow, bringing attention to severe social issues. The intense focus on Ayka's week-long ordeal is both gripping and distressing.

🎬 Direction (9/10):

Sergey Dvortsevoy's direction is meticulous and immersive, creating a vivid portrayal of Ayka’s struggles. The long preparation and detailed research are evident in the film's authenticity.

👥 Characters (9/10):

Ayka’s character is compelling. The supporting characters add to the grim reality of her situation.

💥 Visual Effects (N/A):

Not applicable due to the film's documentary-like style and focus on realism.

🎭 Acting (7/10):

Samal Yeslyamova delivers a strong performance, though it may not fully resonate emotionally in some of the most intense scenes.

💬 Dialogue (5/10):

The minimal dialogue approach works well for the documentary feel, though it might leave some viewers wanting more verbal interaction.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (10/10):

The film effectively captures the cold, grim environment of Moscow, making the audience feel the protagonist's plight. The setting is a significant part of the film’s impact.

🎵 Music (5/10):

There is no music in the film, which enhances the documentary feel but could have added emotional depth in some scenes.

😄 Entertainment Value (6/10):

While the film is a powerful and necessary watch, its distressing content and raw portrayal of suffering make it hard to watch for entertainment purposes. It’s more of a film for those interested in deep, social issues and raw human experiences.

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