Written and directed by Kuba Dorabialski, Agata travels from Sydney to Sarajevo to write a war novel, but as she gathers material, she is challenged by locals who question her motives. Her creative uncertainty growing, she sees a startling mystery unfold: some provocative and obscene artworks inexplicably vanish. Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Vedrana Božinović, Selma Alispahić, Mia Morrissey, Admir Glamočak, Zoran Jevtic and Hatidža Ćorić.
From the very beginning of Agata the Writer, Kuba Dorabialski communicates to the audience exactly what type of film it’s going to be. Opening on this charmingly old-school note, with a traditional narration and great landscapes, it establishes an original genre blend. It riffs off of documentary, dips its toes in satire, plays with mystery, embraces drama and layers in some comedy. During all of which Dorabialski employs an artistic vein to the direction, editing and cinematography.
There’s a very creative presence to Agata the Writer, it holds a quiet eccentricity which grows louder as the film progresses. There’s a curiosity to its story, but also genuine questions about writers’ responsibility, and it pokes at the age old adage of ‘writers should stick to what they know’. In exploring that Dorabialski brings a harshness towards Agata (Mia Wasikowska) from the other characters, which is surprisingly refreshing, to see such bluntness. It’s not quite aggressive but it’s unfiltered and honest, which adds an enjoyable note of discomfort.
The way that Agata the Writer moves is unexpected, but never more so than with its latter scenes, or scene might be more accurate. The creative swing which Dorabialski employs for the final chapter of the film will surprise viewers and it’s likely not all of them will enjoy that surprise. It’s an interesting experiment, and credit has to go to Mia Wasikowska’s performance as to why it may still hold your attention, even if you’re not a fan of the choice. Although the way the film closes out can still feel rather unsatisfying, or incomplete.
Back to Wasikowska’s performance, it’s really the heart of Agata the Writer, the personality which she brings to the table is filled with curiosity, creativity, wit and conviction. She’s utterly charming, even more so when she’s paired with Mia Morrissey, the two create a lovely exploration of female friendship, they’re really enjoyable to watch together. Whereas Vedrana Božinović presents a more challenging presence, pushing scenes to that slightly uncomfortable place, and adding different layers to the film.
Agata the Writer may be of somewhat mixed success but it is genuinely interesting and intriguing viewing. Kuba Dorabialski injects a lot of creative, artistic style into the visual and tone which builds a great deal of personality. Something which is then brought to life perfectly by Mia Wasikowska, who never disappoints and it’s always a pleasure to see her take on more unusual independent projects. It asks interesting questions, it’s not afraid to be a little strange, it has a good sense of humour, and it manages to somehow be extremely humble but also eclectic. All of its choices might not work but it’s definitely worth the watch.
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