Daria Kashcheeva’s “Electra” is an ambitious and visually stunning short film that revisits the classic themes of Greek tragedy through a modern lens. Combining live action and animation, this Czech short film explores complex family dynamics and focuses on a daughter’s troubled relationship with her father.

‘Electra’ explores the strained relationship between Electra and her family, especially her father, through a series of psychotherapy sessions. In these sessions, past experiences are symbolically explored using life-size Barbie dolls, blending reality with Electra’s distorted memories and vivid imagination. The narrative centres around Electra’s tenth birthday, a pivotal moment that foregrounds her unresolved emotions.

Rich in symbolism and thematic depth, the film draws heavily on motifs of memory and identity. Kashcheeva adds meaning to the narrative through the use of surreal imagery, such as cocktails symbolising wombs and provocative make-up implying the sexualisation of the young Electra. The film’s use of Barbie dolls in the therapy sessions serves as a striking metaphor for social expectations and the objectification of women.

Kashcheeva’s film is notable for its innovative use of pixelation and stop-motion animation, which adds a unique texture to the visual storytelling. The cinematography, directed by Tomáš Frkal, is crafted to complement the surreal and theatrical elements of the film, creating a visually stunning experience that blurs the lines between animation and live action.

The film has received recognition at various film festivals, including its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and winning the award for Best International Short Film at the Toronto International Film Festival.