Iki yoldash: A strange, dusty artifact of a movie

Is it worth a watch?

If you're looking for something breezy or modern, just skip this. You'll probably hate it. But if you have a soft spot for grainy, older films that don't quite fit the mold of The Family Group or the punchy energy of Extra! Extra!, you might find it fascinating. It's not a masterpiece, but it's definitely not boring.

The pacing is… well, it’s a choice. Sometimes a scene will just hang there, letting the characters stare off into space for a beat longer than feels comfortable. Honestly, I kind of liked it. It gives the whole thing a weird, hypnotic quality.

Odd little details

• There’s a moment where a character adjusts their collar that lasts about ten seconds too long. It’s weirdly human.
• The lighting in the second act makes everyone look like they’re perpetually standing in a basement, even when they’re supposed to be outside.
• Bogdan Babayan has this way of looking at the camera that feels like he’s trying to remember if he left the stove on.

It’s not as polished as Morocco, that’s for sure. It feels way more like a student project that got funding by mistake. But that’s the charm. It doesn't care if you think it's 'cinematic' or 'profound.' It just wants to exist.

There’s a distinct lack of heavy-handed dialogue, which is a relief. When the characters do talk, it feels like they’re actually trying to hide something rather than just dumping exposition on you. Very refreshing.

I wouldn't compare it to the likes of Holiday of St. Jorgen because this is way moodier. It’s less of a 'show' and more of a mood piece that accidentally became a feature film. 🎞️

If you find yourself drifting off, just wait for the scene in the rain. It’s the only part where the energy actually spikes. The rest of it? It’s just people walking through dust and looking worried. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon if you ask me.