About the Movie
Her Drunken Diary (Zápisník alkoholičky) is a 2024 Czech psychological drama directed by Dan Svátek. Based on the autobiographical novel by Michaela Duffková, the film explores the harrowing journey of a young woman battling alcoholism while navigating marriage, motherhood, and a tense relationship with her overbearing mother-in-law. A deeply personal and intimate story, Her Drunken Diary sheds light on the struggles of addiction, self-worth, and recovery.
Plot Summary
Míša, a young wife and mother, moves with her husband Ondřej to his parents' house on the outskirts of Prague. While Ondřej is often away for work, Míša feels isolated and suffocated under the scrutiny of her judgmental mother-in-law. As tensions rise within the household, Míša turns to alcohol as an escape, gradually slipping into a dangerous cycle of addiction. As her drinking spirals out of control, it strains her marriage, her relationship with her child, and her sense of self-worth. The film captures her battle with alcoholism, moments of denial, confrontation, and the difficult road to redemption.
Director’s Vision
Dan Svátek sought to create an unfiltered portrayal of alcoholism from a woman's perspective, highlighting the psychological, emotional, and societal challenges associated with addiction. Building on themes from his previous work The Smiles of Sad Men, Svátek presents a raw and intimate examination of how addiction can deeply affect not only the individual but their family and loved ones as well. The film uses a realistic and immersive storytelling style to put audiences in Míša’s shoes, allowing them to experience her struggles firsthand.
Themes
Addiction and Mental Health – The film portrays alcoholism as both a personal and social issue, addressing its psychological effects.
Family and Emotional Isolation – Explores the impact of toxic family dynamics and how a lack of support can exacerbate personal struggles.
Female Perspective on Addiction – Highlights the unique challenges women face in battling substance abuse, including societal judgment.
Motherhood and Self-Worth – Examines the struggles of being a mother while dealing with addiction and personal insecurities.
Denial and Recovery – Follows Míša’s journey through denial, confrontation, and the challenges of seeking help.
Key Success Factors
Authentic and Gripping Performance – Tereza Ramba delivers a powerful and emotionally charged portrayal of Míša.
Strong Social Relevance – Tackles a critical issue affecting many individuals and families, making it highly relatable.
Director’s Realistic Approach – Dan Svátek’s immersive storytelling enhances the emotional depth of the film.
Successful Box Office Performance – The film resonated with audiences, becoming one of the top-grossing Czech films of the year.
Short Summary
Her Drunken Diary follows Míša, a young mother struggling with alcoholism while navigating an oppressive home environment, strained relationships, and the fight for self-redemption.
Awards and Nominations
Czech Lion Awards 2025
Nominated: Best Actress (Tereza Ramba)
Nominated: Best Screenplay
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024
Official Selection: Special Presentation
Critical Reception
Cineuropa – Praised the film’s unfiltered storytelling and its ability to depict addiction in an emotionally raw manner.
The Prague Reporter – Highlighted Tereza Ramba’s "career-defining performance" and the film’s ability to resonate with Czech audiences.
Screen Daily – Noted the film’s "honest and deeply affecting" portrayal of alcoholism, though some critics felt certain supporting characters could have been more fleshed out.
Overall, Her Drunken Diary has received positive reviews, with praise for its compelling lead performance and its socially relevant subject matter.
Online Reviews
IMDb – Rated 6.6/10 by users, with praise for its realism but some criticism for its pacing.
Rotten Tomatoes – Currently holding an 82% audience score, with many viewers describing it as "emotionally gripping."
Box Office
Czech Republic Lifetime Gross – $4,029,009
Worldwide Lifetime Gross – $4,407,023
Production
Produced by Bontonfilm, Her Drunken Diary is a powerful and intimate drama that brings an important societal issue to light. The film’s production design and cinematography effectively capture Míša’s psychological turmoil, enhancing its emotional impact.
Production Companies
Bontonfilm (Czech Republic)
Sales and Distribution Companies
Distributor (Czechia): Bontonfilm
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32228803/
About movie: https://www.bontonfilm.cz/, https://www.filmcenter.cz/en/films-people/4662-her-drunken-diary
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/cz/film/zapisnik-alkoholicky
Why to Recommend This Movie
A gripping and realistic portrayal of alcoholism and its effects.
A powerful lead performance by Tereza Ramba.
Tackles an important social issue with emotional depth.
Why You Should Watch Her Drunken Diary
Authentic & Realistic – Provides an unfiltered look at addiction from a female perspective.
Emotionally Powerful – A deeply personal and relatable story that resonates with audiences.
Socially Relevant – Sheds light on an often-overlooked issue affecting women.
Strong Lead Performance – Tereza Ramba delivers one of her best performances to date.
Movie Trend: Personal Struggles in Intimate Settings
Her Drunken Diary follows the trend of personal struggles depicted in intimate, psychological settings, much like Pieces of a Woman or A Woman Under the Influence. It focuses on one individual's deeply personal experience while offering broader social commentary.
Big Social Trend: Mental Health Awareness and Addiction
The film aligns with the growing trend of mental health awareness and discussions on addiction, emphasizing the need for understanding and support systems for those struggling with substance abuse.
Final Verdict
Her Drunken Diary is a deeply moving and powerful film that brings the often-silenced struggles of addiction to the forefront. With a stunning lead performance, an emotionally raw narrative, and a socially relevant theme, it stands as one of the most impactful Czech films of the year. Whether you are drawn to psychological dramas or interested in socially conscious storytelling, this film is a must-watch.
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