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How to Save the Immortal

Name: How to Save the Immortal
Director: Roman Artemyev
Released: 2022
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2022

Director

Roman Artemyev

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

How to Save the Immortal offers a nuanced look at Slavic folklore by breaking down classic fairy tale clichés. It stands out particularly in its gender dynamics, presenting a capable and independent woman instead of a passive heroine. However, the film operates within a narrow cultural and romantic scope. Its focus on traditional folklore limits ethnic diversity, and the romantic storyline adheres to conventional straight relationship patterns. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its emotional complexity. By giving a traditionally villainous character a capacity for love and vulnerability, it moves beyond simple moral binaries to offer a more sophisticated narrative experience.

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Category Breakdown

Does How to Save the Immortal have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story follows a traditional romantic pursuit between Koschey and Varvara. There is no indication of non-straight relationships or same-sex intimacy. The framework remains centered around straight relationships.

How does How to Save the Immortal portray gender?

Good

Varvara challenges the damsel in distress stereotype by showing significant control over her fate. She actively fights off suitors in an arena, highlighting her physical strength and independence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is How to Save the Immortal?

Limited

The film focuses on Slavic folklore, emphasizing a specific cultural heritage. There is no evidence of a multi-ethnic cast, maintaining a localized cultural perspective.

How does How to Save the Immortal represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film reinterprets traditional morality by making the villainous Koschey relatable. It questions absolute authority by having protagonists confront the institutional power of the Tsar.

Does How to Save the Immortal include disability representation?

Minimal

The narrative does not include characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities. There is no representation in this area.

Present on Screen

Replaces the damsel in distress stereotype with a strong, independent woman.
Transforms a traditionally villainous character into a figure with emotional depth.
Questions rigid moral binaries and institutional authority.

Limited or Absent

Does not depict LGBTQ+ or non-straight relationships.
Focuses on a specific cultural heritage, limiting ethnic diversity.
Does not represent characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

For some reason, forever young and always immaculately dressed, Koschey has been unable to find a bride for three hundred years. He intimidated, and kidnapped, and turned various princesses into frogs, but these courtship did not help the prince of darkness. Meanwhile, the beautiful hero Varvara only does what she fights off in the arena from suitors who covet her dowry. However, having taken possession of the Koshcheev needle, Tsar Peas figure out how to get to Varvara. But he didn’t take into account one thing - although Koshchei’s death is enclosed in a needle, love can still come to life in his heart

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