Summary
Action and comedy go hand-in-hand.
Even brutal violence can strike a humorous tone.
That’s whyQuentin Tarantinois so beloved.
Image Via Blue Finch Film Releasing
Such is the case withAdilkhan YerzhanovsSteppenwolf.
All this is to say that the movie is too derivative for its own good.
Partnering with a hardened ex-convict known as “the Steppenwolf,” she navigates a violent, lawless landscape.
In Steppenwolf, a mute woman named Tamara embarks on a desperate quest to rescue her kidnapped son from ruthless organ traffickers amidst the chaos of civil war. Partnering with a hardened ex-convict known as “the Steppenwolf,” she navigates a violent, lawless landscape. Together, they confront human obstacles with brutal determination, each step drawing them deeper into a world of danger.
What Is ‘Steppenwolf’ About?
Somehow surviving this shootout is Tamara (Anna Starchenko), a young woman looking for her son.
Tamara is half catatonic and can only speak through whispered ramblings.
Brajyuk isnt shy about using Tamara as a human shield while theyre in the middle of a conversation.
The most frustrating part is its pacing.
Berik Aitzhanovs portrayal of our protagonist starts off as engaging and humorous before becoming a caricature of itself.
Image Via Blue Finch Film Releasing
The first thing that came to mind was thatexcruciatingFamily Guyscene where Peter hurts his knee.
Brajyuk isn’t just unlikable because he hits women and murders people, he’s also gratingly irritating.
The French-Canadian thriller had its European premiere at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.
It’s like seeingTimothee ChalametandZendayabreak into thePulp Fictiondance while riding the sandworm inDune.
And thats not even the worst part.
‘Steppenwolf’ Mistreats Its Lead Female Character
The most egregious flaw ofSteppenwolfis the treatment of Tamara.
Its as if the film couldnt choose between two female stereotypes and decided to just mash them together.
When its clear this is an impossibility for her, Brajyuk demands that he make her a coffee too.
Whats even worse than this is Brajyuks constant hitting of Tamara.
Steppenwolfis an immature, derivative, and ultimately frustrating viewing experience.
Steppenwolfscreened at the 2024 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
