Is Selfie for Baba-yaga Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Selfie for Baba-yaga, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Animation landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Baba Yaga finds a smartphone in the forest, but does not know what it is and how it works. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Baba Yaga finds a smartphone in the forest, but does not know what it is and how it works. She pesters forest dwellers with a request to teach her how to use it. But the animals have no time to teach Baba Yaga. And then she, in frustrated feelings, begins to conjure. And everyone who refused her help suddenly turns into someone else. The forest dwellers understand that they were not kind to Baba Yaga, they fly to her to ask for forgiveness. And in the end, they explain to her how to use smartphones and even teach Baba Yaga to take selfies."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Alina Busygina, the performance in Selfie for Baba-yaga feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 9 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Selfie for Baba-yaga truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Selfie for Baba-yaga explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Selfie for Baba-yaga is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Alina Busygina or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Selfie for Baba-yaga is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.