The Unsung Labor

Read Time:4 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Midwives (Sages-femmes)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023, 2024 Distrib Films DVD
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Léa Fehner
Writer(s): Léa Fehner, Catherine Paillé
Cast: Khadija Kouyaté, Héloïse Janjaud, Myriem Akheddiou, Quentin Vernede, Tarik Kariouh, Lucie Mancipoz
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Léa Fehner's MIDWIVES delves into the intricate dynamics of a bustling maternity ward, capturing the essence of an often overlooked profession through the experiences of two midwives, Sofia and Louise. Set against the backdrop of a healthcare system stretched thin, the film navigates through the hospital corridors, where life begins, and the stakes are as high as they come. Fehner channels the raw energy of this setting into a vivid experience, blending personal trials with professional challenges in a tapestry of real-life drama.

The narrative structure of MIDWIVES is anything but conventional. Eschewing a linear plot, the film opts for a rich montage of life in the ward, illustrating midwives' critical impact on their patients and the medical field. The nuanced performances of Khadija Kouyaté and Héloïse Janjaud infuse the film with authenticity, capturing the emotional fortitude required to navigate the myriad pressures of such a demanding job. Each carefully composed scene reinforces the gravity of the work carried out daily by these professionals.

What sets MIDWIVES apart is its steadfast commitment to realism. Hand-held cameras pull the audience close to the characters, placing them directly in the action and making every moment palpable. This intimate approach does more than tell a story—it invites viewers to live it, feeling every pulse of the ward’s bustling activity and the weight of every decision made. This makes the experience feel almost like a documentary.

The film also serves as a social commentary, reflecting how women's labor, especially in critical care, is undervalued. Through the character of Bénédicte, a seasoned ward manager played by Myriem Akheddiou, MIDWIVES paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by those who have long served in such roles, juxtaposing their seasoned resolve with the idealism of newcomers like Sofia and Louise.

Pacing is vital in MIDWIVES, oscillating between the frenetic pace of emergency scenarios and the subdued moments of introspection that reveal the personal costs of such a taxing profession. This pace enhances the narrative and underscores the constant balance midwives must maintain between their professional responsibilities and individual well-being.

Moreover, the film addresses the intersectionality of personal and systemic struggles, integrating scenes of activism that underscore its political undertones. These moments of protest are not just backdrop but are integral to understanding the complex dialogue between personal sacrifice and systemic change that the film seeks to engage.

The emotional core of MIDWIVES lies in the performances of Kouyaté and Janjaud. Their portrayal of the highs and lows of a job that will never be valued as much as it deserves—Kouyaté's Sofia gradually succumbing to the pressures of her career and Janjaud's Louise navigating her role with pragmatic resilience—highlights the human aspects of healthcare often overshadowed by clinical detachment.

MIDWIVES is an exploration of the human condition, a celebration of unsung heroes, and a call to appreciate better and support those who devote their lives to helping others. The film closes on a reflective note, challenging viewers to reconsider how society supports its most essential workers.

MIDWIVES stands as a testament to the power of cinema to convey profound social truths. It marries drama with documentary-style realism, offering a tribute to those who labor at life's thresholds. This film is a compelling reminder of the crucial role midwives play, not only in healthcare but in the very fabric of human experience, underscoring their enduring spirit and indispensable contributions to society.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, DISTRIB FILMS]

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