A Mother’s Heartache Takes Center Stage

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MOVIE REVIEW
Four Daughters (Les filles d’Olfa)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023, 2024 DVD
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director(s): Kaouther Ben Hania
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available January 16, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In my introduction to FOUR DAUGHTERS, I was immediately swept up in a narrative that masterfully balanced documentary and drama. Under Kaouther Ben Hania’s innovative direction, this film is more than a mere movie; it’s an odyssey through Tunisia’s emotional and social landscapes. The story pivots around Olfa, a mother tangled in the heart-wrenching disappearance of her two eldest daughters. This poignant narrative opens doors to the intimate and often unseen aspects of her family’s life, revealing a complex and richly woven reality.

In FOUR DAUGHTERS, Ben Hania’s unique directorial touch is evident and seamlessly blends documentary filmmaking’s raw, unfiltered texture with the rich, embellished strokes of narrative drama. This blend elevates the film’s storytelling and deeply immerses the audience in the intricate themes of violence – both physical and emotional – that permeate the lives of Olfa and her daughters. Integrating actors to reenact some more intense scenes creates a delicate balance, allowing audiences to empathize deeply with the characters’ experiences while maintaining the necessary emotional distance. The entirety of the film felt like a unique and exploratory experience. This is unlike any documentary you’ve seen before, in the best way possible.

Set against the backdrop of Tunisia’s socio-political climate, the film gains additional layers of meaning. The chaos engulfing the nation mirrors the internal turmoil of Olfa’s family, adding to the film’s depth and complexity. A striking aspect of FOUR DAUGHTERS is its exploration of the perpetuation of violence within both the family and the broader society. The film illuminates women’s often-overlooked role in this vicious cycle, challenging traditional perceptions of them as mere nurturers. This narrative thread weaves through the characters’ journeys, touching on broader societal patterns of violence.

The film examines the evolving roles of women in a society in flux. FOUR DAUGHTERS portrays the fight for self-determination in the face of societal pressures. The disappearance of Olfa’s daughters is symbolic of a more profound loss – that of personal identity and freedom, a theme that resonates with the events and aftermath of the Arab Spring. There’s something special about a film that leaves you thinking, not only during the film itself but long after the final moments.

Another of FOUR DAUGHTERS standout moments is in its cinematography. The film melds static, documentary-style shots with more dynamic, fluid sequences typical of fictional storytelling. This hybrid visual approach masterfully captures the emotional and psychological depth of the characters, drawing the audience deeper into the heart of the narrative.

FOUR DAUGHTERS is a daring foray into blending documentary and fictional storytelling, offering an insightful and profound exploration of personal and societal narratives. Under the adept guidance of Kaouther Ben Hania, the film transforms into a riveting, emotionally charged journey, enhanced by powerful performances from all those involved. Far more than just depicting a family in crisis, the film paints an expansive picture, capturing the struggles and evolution of a nation and its culture at a defining moment. This film is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and storytelling’s transformative power.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]