Sweetie, You Won't Believe It

Sweetie, You Won't Believe It is a 2020 comedy-thriller film directed by Yernar Nurgaliyev. It has a bold cast that features Daniyar Alshinov, Asel Kaliyeva, and Azamat Marklenov. Known for its twisted yet comedic storyline, the movie adds a fresh and exciting twist to the genre set against the unique backdrop of Kazakhstan. As both a domestic drama and an outrageous thriller, Sweetie, You Won't Believe It seamlessly blends these various elements together to create a cinematic narrative masterpiece.

The film follows the life of Dastan, played by Daniyar Alshinov, a beleaguered middle-class family man who seems to be at the end of his tether, dealing with the everyday struggles of his mundane life and his heavily pregnant, ever-demanding wife (Asel Kaliyeva). Being a father-to-be and yearning for a small break from his routine, he embarks on a fishing trip with his soft-spoken friend. The charm of this plotline stems from the nuances of Dastan's married life and the intricacies of parenthood that are presented with a humorous twist.

In a crazy turn of events, the otherwise innocuous fishing trip spirals into something surreal and frightening, encountering dangerous gangsters and a mysterious serial killer in the boondocks of Kazakhstan. This is where our protagonists - the hapless fishermen - find themselves in a whirlpool of unexpected happenings. The narrative dives into the darker shades of humour, as Dastan and his friend get stuck in a grotesquely hilarious cat-and-mouse game, against the picturesque, almost ethereal backdrop of Kazakh wilderness which provides a vivid contrast to the grim happenings.

Azamat Marklenov brings a special vibe to the movie, offering an amusingly deranged performance as the serial killer, adding a dark comedic sense to his grim character. The encounter with him is as eerie as it is funny, showcasing the refreshing and successful genre-blend of the film.

To its credit, Sweetie, You Won't Believe It uses its comedy and thrills to convey a number of themes. While the movie may appear to be a hilarious comedy at face value, it also pushes boundaries to explore themes of married life, camaraderie, domesticity, stress, and the extreme lengths one might go to escape reality, if only for a moment.

Director Yernar Nurgaliyev makes his feature film debut with this project, showcasing a unique blend of genres in an extraordinary way. The narration is powered by crisp dialogues and impeccable comic timing, further amplified by some truly stunning cinematography that captures the lush landscapes and sweeping vistas of the Kazakh terrain. His storytelling style oscillates successfully between the absurd and the thrilling, bolstered by an engaging screenplay that keeps the viewers hooked till the end.

Kanikey Raiskhanova, the film's producer alongside Serik Abishev, also deserves praise as the movie successfully combines a hefty dose of humor with dark undertones, unusual circumstances, and larger-than-life characters. It explores the often blurred line between the ordinary and the extraordinary without even once slipping into the realm of the unbelievable.

The no-holds-barred performances from Daniyar Alshinov, Asel Kaliyeva, and Azamat Marklenov are commendable, treading a fine line between comedy and terror with a fine touch of relatability. Their journey from everyday citizens to accidental adventurers is captured with finesse, revealing the undercurrent of humor in even the most dire of situations.

In summary, Sweetie, You Won't Believe It can be best described as a riveting blend of ordinary situations with extraordinary circumstances. This amusing comedy-thriller from Kazakhstan is a riotous roller-coaster ride that delves into the chaos of an everyday man's getaway turned disaster and the subsequent havoc it wreaks. The narration is both immersive and engaging, bringing a deluge of laughter and chills, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy their thrillers served with a dash of fun and wit.