Movie spotlight
To Be
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.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, haunted by the memory of a traumatic past event, finds herself increasingly isolated and drawn into a spiral of psychological distress. As her grip on reality weakens, she must confront the literal and metaphorical demons that threaten to consume her entirely. The film explores themes of memory, trauma, and the fragile nature of the human psyche.
Critical Reception
To Be received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its ambitious attempt to tackle difficult themes and its intense atmosphere. However, some found the narrative ambiguous and the pacing uneven. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some appreciating its raw emotionality and others struggling with its bleak subject matter.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its bold exploration of trauma and mental health.
Cited for its unsettling atmosphere and strong lead performance.
Criticized by some for its narrative ambiguity and slow burn.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic merit and its honest portrayal of difficult subjects. Many found the emotional impact significant, though a portion of viewers expressed confusion regarding the plot's meaning and symbolism.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2023 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Zack Clark also stars in the film and co-wrote the screenplay, drawing inspiration from personal experiences with mental health.
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