April

Drenched in a sense of dark mystery, April opens in a totally unexpected, surreal dimension, and further disorients by immediately infiltrating from above into the most physical setting it could reach - a labour room of a hospital. Dea Kulumbegashvili's film immediately estabilishes its dual nature, being a film that delves into the very raw material of reality, but with an uncanny feeling.

Despite their very concrete nature,  there is an abstract sense that pervades the frames, perhaps due to the reduced spatial coordinates. A supernatural aspect occasionally takes shape occasionally in a recurring surreal presence, which also opens and ends the film. As a result, April's atmosphere is that of mystery, with a dark aura. 

The theme of the movie is clear, it is that of abortion - as is the title's reference, it is the month in which the film is set.  Yet it is clear that there is more under the patina of minimalism that permeates down to the bones of the feature, the choice of the timeframe is very deliberate, the construction of the storyline carefully concstructed with purpose, even if the resulting effect is the very opposite

Much more than Beginning, April feels raw and free of methodicity, an effect that might be caused by the very persistent texture of celluloid or the handheld form for even the more static shots of the film. Less lingering on the landscape and more on the fury of elements, it enjoys indulging on details of rain-ridden puddles, impetuous clouds, to contrast the septic corridors of the hospital or the modestly furnished home interiors.

Nina, the protagonist, is a true embodiment of everything the film does in its representation: her actions denote her as an indipendent woman her motivations often feel unclear even if in her few lines of dialogue, she is very transparent about her positions. She is an excellent example of minimalist characterisation that does not fall as shallow.

April is a contemplative work of cinema that is not easily accessible due to its form, but it further consecrates Dea Kulumbegashvili as one of the new relevant auteurs of east european and worldwide cinema. 

RATING: 5/5

 

Original title: April

Directed by: Dea Kulumbegashvili

Country: Georgia

Length: 134 min.

Year: 2024

Premiere: Venice Film Festival 2024

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Synopsis: an intense week in the life of Nina, a doctor who secretly performs illegal abortions.