Movies: Oxana (2024) by Charlène Favier: A Painful Portrait of a Feminist Revolutionary

A Raw Look at Activism's Toll:

Oxana, directed by Charlène Favier, is a biographical drama that is "freely inspired" by the life of Oxana Shachko, a co-founder of the Ukrainian feminist protest group FEMEN. The film chronicles her activism, from her early topless protests in Kyiv to her eventual refuge in Paris, culminating in her last day before her suicide on July 23, 2018. The movie delves into her personal struggles and the traumas she suffered during her struggle, as she prepares for an exhibition of her "blasphemous icons." The film has been nominated for at least one award and has a worldwide gross of over $100,000.

Why to Recommend this movie: The Unvarnished Truth of a Life in Protest

• A Humanizing Perspective: The film offers a nuanced, humanizing portrait of a controversial figure, going beyond the sensationalist media portrayals of topless protests to explore the emotional and psychological toll of activism. It shows the person behind the protest, grappling with trauma, betrayal, and the struggle for personal identity.

• Relevant and Timely Themes: The movie tackles themes of feminism, political resistance, and the mental health crisis among activists, making it highly relevant in a world where protest and political discourse are increasingly high-stakes.

• A Visually Compelling Narrative: Directed by Charlène Favier, the film uses flashbacks and a day-in-the-life structure to create a poignant and introspective narrative, drawing the viewer into Oxana’s internal struggle. The use of a fictionalized account allows for a deeper exploration of her inner world.

• Strong Acting: Albina Korzh delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, capturing the vulnerability and inner turmoil of a woman who was outwardly known for her strength and defiance.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/oxana (Germany), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/oxana (France)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29389846/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/476382/

About movie: https://goodfellas.film/movie/oxana/

What is the Trend followed: The Rise of Biographical Dramas

The film is a part of a growing trend in filmmaking that focuses on creating biographical dramas about complex, real-life figures, particularly those who are not widely understood. These films often use a fictionalized approach to fill in the emotional and psychological gaps left by documentaries or news reports.

• Humanizing Controversial Figures: This trend seeks to re-contextualize public figures, showing their struggles and motivations beyond their public persona.

• The Power of Memory and Trauma: Many films in this genre, like Oxana, use a non-linear narrative structure to explore how past traumas and memories shape a person's present reality.

• Artistic Exploration: This trend often blurs the line between documentary and fiction, using artistic liberties to create a more emotionally resonant and compelling story.

Director's Vision: The Intimate Portrait of a Revolutionary

• Focus on the Internal: Charlène Favier's vision is to create an intimate and introspective film. She uses a a day-in-the-life structure, with frequent flashbacks, to delve into Oxana's psyche and show the emotional weight of her past.

• Symbolism through Art: The director uses Oxana's "blasphemous icons" as a central motif, a form of self-expression that reflects her spiritual and artistic struggles.

• A Vulnerable Heroine: Favier portrays Oxana not just as a fearless activist, but as a vulnerable and fragile woman struggling with the immense pressures of her life and legacy.

Themes: Beyond the Protest Signs

• The Cost of Activism: The film explores the profound emotional and psychological price that activists pay for their cause, highlighting the burnout, trauma, and isolation that can come with living a life of constant struggle.

• Betrayal and Disillusionment: The narrative touches on the themes of betrayal, both from within the movement and from a society that did not fully embrace its message.

• Art as a Form of Resistance: The movie positions art, specifically Oxana’s icon painting, as a personal and therapeutic form of resistance, a way for her to process her experiences and reclaim her narrative.

• Personal Identity and Legacy: Oxana wrestles with the complex question of what happens when a person's public identity as an activist overshadows their personal and artistic self.

Key Success Factors: A Film That Demands Empathy

• Emotional Depth: The film's success lies in its ability to generate empathy for its subject, making the audience see Oxana not just as a symbol, but as a human being.

• Authentic Storytelling: By using a "freely inspired" approach and filming parts of the dialogue in Ukrainian and Russian, the film adds a layer of authenticity that a standard documentary might not achieve.

• Relevance to Current Social Issues: The themes of feminism, mental health, and political resistance are highly relevant, making the film a powerful commentary on contemporary society.

Awards & Nominations: A Promising Start

The film has received at least one nomination. While the specific award is not detailed in the provided text, its recognition at a festival or industry event highlights its critical acclaim and potential for further accolades.

Critics Reception: A Nuanced Critical Discussion

• Cineuropa: A review from Cineuropa praises the film for its emotional depth and its unflinching look at Oxana’s story. The critic notes that while the film doesn't fully explain the "enigma of Oxana's internal struggle," it succeeds in "carv[ing] into cinema marble...the moving memory of a bold, creative and mystical young woman." The reviewer also commends director Charlène Favier for her work and Albina Korzh for her "revelation" of a performance.

• IMDb User Review: The single user review on IMDb gives the film a 6/10 rating. The reviewer acknowledges the film's "fictionalized portrayal" and the artistic liberties taken, such as the use of a different last name and character names for some of the real-life activists. The reviewer found it "slightly odd to see her portrayed by an actress" rather than a documentary, but praised Albina Korzh's "quite good performance."

• Overall Summary: Critical reception is generally positive, with reviewers praising the film's emotional depth and its ability to humanize its subject. The film is seen as a powerful and moving portrait that raises important questions about activism, trauma, and legacy. The fictionalized approach, while noted by some, is largely accepted as a way to achieve a more personal and intimate look at Oxana's life.

Reviews: From the Audience and Beyond

• IMDb: With an IMDb user rating of 6.2, the film has a modest but generally positive reception from the limited audience that has reviewed it. The low number of user reviews suggests it has not yet reached a wide audience.

• Overall Summary: The film's reception is still developing. While it has garnered praise from critics, its limited release and lack of widespread availability have kept it from reaching a broader audience. The existing reviews, however, suggest that those who have seen it appreciate its unique and intimate approach to the subject matter.

Movie Trend film is following: The Biographical Reckoning

This film is following the trend of "biographical reckoning," where filmmakers revisit the lives of influential but often misunderstood figures. It moves beyond simple historical fact to explore the psychological and emotional landscapes of its subjects, using cinematic language to create empathy and understanding. This trend is a response to the simplified narratives often found in news reports and a desire to capture a more complete, and often more painful, truth.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Mental Health Crisis in Activism

Oxana aligns with the growing social trend of shining a light on the mental health crisis within activist communities. It serves as a stark reminder that the fight for social change often comes at a significant personal cost. The film contributes to a wider conversation about the need for support, recognition of trauma, and a more compassionate view of the individuals who dedicate their lives to a cause.

Final Verdict: A Vital and Timely Film

Oxana is a vital and timely film that serves as a powerful and emotional tribute to a complex figure. It's not a straightforward history lesson, but a work of art that uses a "freely inspired" approach to explore the deep psychological wounds of a life lived on the front lines of a social movement. While its limited release and lack of widespread availability may be a barrier for some, it is a must-see for anyone interested in feminism, activism, and the often-hidden costs of revolution. It's a film that leaves a lasting impression, challenging us to look beyond the headlines and truly see the person behind the cause.