Sicko

Description

Sicko

In Almaty, an impoverished couple devises a plan to escape their financial woes, only to find themselves ensnared in a toxic mix of social media, violent crime, and unbridled greed. This raw, ruthless horror film serves as a bloody satire on the indignities of late-stage capitalism. "New day, new opportunities!" Despite their positive outlook and tireless work ethic, Azamat (Ayan Utepbergen) and Tansholpan (Dilnaz Kurmangali) are completely destitute. When their debts are collected through violence, the couple hatches a scheme to make quick money. With the help of a shady lab technician, they fake a terminal illness and launch a crowdfunding campaign for a supposedly "life-saving" treatment—a campaign that quickly goes viral. Their sudden fame and wealth seem like a dream come true, but when they attract the attention of Almaty’s criminal underworld, their plan spirals dangerously out of control. Following the success of *Shulamah* (2024)—which Aitore Zholdaskali co-directed—his first solo feature, *Sicko*, confirms his talent. While the film shows clear influences from Korean horror cinema—blending graphic violence, dark humor, and sharp social commentary—it also offers striking reflections on contemporary life in Kazakhstan. Beneath its stylized aesthetic and bloody tension lie incisive observations on gender dynamics and the final stages of capitalism, which eventually surface in chilling fashion. — Rachel Pronger

Year
2025

Release Date
October 30, 2026

Runtime
101 min. Address
Aitore Zholdaskali

Distribution
Ayan Utepbergen, Dilnaz Kurmangali, Azat Zhumadil, Aida Kurmangaliyeva

Genres
Crime, Thriller