Is To Be Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

To Be, a standout production of 2023, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Science Fiction, Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Growing up without parents, young rapper Ilya is desperate to reach the top of the charts. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Science Fiction, Comedy 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: "Growing up without parents, young rapper Ilya is desperate to reach the top of the charts. He is ready to do anything for the sake of success, but fate magically sends him from 2023 to the harsh 1993, where he meets his young parents and gets into the dashing adventures of that time. Ilya has only three days to change the fate of his family. To be in the future or not to be, now depends only on him."

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 Oleg Gaas, the performance in To Be 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 Alexandr Kovtunets 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 114 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 To Be 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 Science Fiction, Comedy, 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 4/10 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, To Be explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Alexandr Kovtunets 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, To Be 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 Oleg Gaas or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, To Be is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.