Is State Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

State, a standout production of 2013, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, Thriller landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into While scouting locations for a shoot in Belgrade, Jelena, a young director makes up a story about Marija, a professor of political theory, whose dying father has revealed to her some medical files that could be of interest to several intelligence services. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Thriller 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: "While scouting locations for a shoot in Belgrade, Jelena, a young director makes up a story about Marija, a professor of political theory, whose dying father has revealed to her some medical files that could be of interest to several intelligence services. Marija has affection for Marko, a student - until she realizes that he had gotten close to her in order to learn her father's secrets. Marko explains that her father took part in Medical experiments in Africa, which led to deaths of many people in the Congo. Marija has no way of checking whether these allegations are true, because her father dies. She is faced with a dilemma: should she give her father's files to Marko or sell them to foreign intelligence services."

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. The presence of Ana Stefanović provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Jelena Marković 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 82 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 State 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 Drama, Thriller, 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, State explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jelena Marković 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, State 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 Ana Stefanović or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, State is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.