Joika: Movie Review

Cast: Talia Ryder, Diane Kruger
Director: James Napier Robertson

The Dark Horse's James Napier Robertson's take on a ballet film follows a fairly formulaic approach to storytelling. 

And in truth, this tale that follows American Joy Womack as she battles to be part of the Bolshoi Ballet offers little original in terms of trajectory and final destination.

But thanks to some magnificently helmed moments and a stunning lead performance from Never Rarely Sometimes Always' Ryder as Womack, the film transcends its roots to provide a psychological film about obsession that has more in keeping with The Novice than the inevitable comparison to Black Swan.

Ryder's Womack is under pressure to achieve in the world of dance - but it's all self-imposed, fed by a sport that's elitist. As Womack heads to Russia to reach the pinnacle of her desires, she finds herself an American in foreign lands, and one who is hounded by instructor Tatiana (Kruger, in a seemingly cruel role that opens up later on).

But as Womack approaches her dream, she finds obstacles in her way - will she make it?

Joika uses every visual and aural trick in the book to create a pinchingly painful experience. 

From the cracking of bones to Ryder's crescendo of swirling on stage, Robertson uses the camera to tell the tale of obsession, rather than pepper the dialogue with obvious exposition. Central to it all is Ryder, who acquits herself brilliantly in this tale and who, you have to wonder, may have pushed herself too far to achieve it.

Stress, fear and determination drip from the screen - and while the story may present no points for originality, its execution shows every sign of getting into the psyche of those who push themselves to the edge for their careers and dreams.

Easy to dismiss initially but hard to shake after an investment of time, Joika's bound to leave audiences dancing to its own tune - and grateful they're not on stage being made to pursue it.