New Movies: April (2024) by Dea Kulumbegashvili: A Silent Rebellion in the Shadows of Expectation

Core Summary: A Doctor's Secret Sacrifice Against Societal Chains

"April" (2024) is the profoundly stark and compelling second feature film from Georgian auteur Dea Kulumbegashvili, following her acclaimed debut "Beginning." Premiering in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, this Georgian-French-German co-production stars Ia Sukhitashvili as Ana, a doctor living in a conservative, patriarchal society. The film intimately follows Ana's quiet but radical existence as she secretly provides illegal abortions to women in need, often in her own home, using minimal equipment. Through Kulumbegashvili's signature minimalist style, long takes, and deliberate pacing, "April" crafts a haunting portrait of motherhood, the burdens of societal expectation, and a woman's quiet act of rebellion and sacrifice, all while grappling with deep-seated personal trauma and a pervasive sense of dread. It is a viscerally felt experience that asks profound questions about freedom, responsibility, and the unseen struggles of women.

Snapshot: Doctor, Daughter, Dilemma: A Woman's Silent Battle

A doctor in a rigid society secretly performs abortions, a quiet act of rebellion that intertwines with her own complex journey through motherhood, societal pressures, and unresolved trauma.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31350080/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/april-review-dea-kulumbegashvili-abortion-1235043953/

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

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/april-2025 (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/april-2025 (France)

Deep Dive: The Unseen Lives of Women in a Patriarchal Landscape

"April" (original Georgian title: აპრილი) is Dea Kulumbegashvili's highly anticipated follow-up to her Golden Shell-winning debut "Beginning." Its selection for the main competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival immediately positioned it as a significant art-house event.

• Plot: The film centers on Ana (Ia Sukhitashvili), a doctor living in a remote, conservative, and deeply patriarchal Georgian community. Ana has a secret: she performs illegal abortions for women who have nowhere else to turn. These procedures are often conducted in her spartan home, with little more than her medical skill and quiet resolve. The narrative unfolds with Kulumbegashvili's characteristic minimalist approach, emphasizing long takes and static shots that allow the viewer to observe Ana's methodical, often solitary, life. Beyond her medical practice, Ana grapples with the complexities of her own motherhood and the weight of societal expectations. The film subtly reveals layers of personal trauma from her past, linking it to her present actions and a profound sense of anxiety. The title "April" alludes to a specific time in a woman's cycle (pregnancy, rebirth, but also perhaps the precarious nature of new beginnings). The film's strength lies in its unflinching, yet deeply empathetic, portrayal of a woman existing on the fringes, making difficult choices, and quietly rebelling against a system that offers few alternatives for female autonomy. It is a slow-burn psychological drama, permeated by a pervasive sense of dread and unease, culminating in a powerful, albeit often unstated, commentary on female agency and sacrifice.

• Characters & Cast:

  • Ia Sukhitashvili as Ana: The titular doctor, whose stoic demeanor masks a complex inner world of trauma, defiance, and maternal instinct. Sukhitashvili, known for her powerful performance in Kulumbegashvili's "Beginning," brings an intense, quiet gravity to the role.

  • Kakha Kintsurashvili as Vakho: Likely a male figure in Ana's life, representing the patriarchal forces or a complex personal relationship.

  • Zaza Salarishvili: Another supporting role, contributing to the film's sparse but impactful character interactions.

• Genre and Style: "April" is firmly within the Art-house Drama genre, often categorized as Slow Cinema or Psychological Drama. Kulumbegashvili's signature style includes:

  • Fixed, Long Takes: Many shots are static and extended, inviting viewers into an observational mode, demanding patience, and building tension through inaction.

  • Minimalist Aesthetic: Sparse dialogue, deliberate pacing, and a focus on mundane rituals or prolonged moments of quiet observation.

  • Immersive Sound Design: Often uses ambient sound to create atmosphere and deepen the sense of dread or isolation.

  • Challenging Themes: Kulumbegashvili doesn't shy away from uncomfortable or controversial subjects, exploring them with an unflinching gaze.

  • Focus on Female Experience: Her films consistently center on the struggles and resilience of women in patriarchal societies.

Director's Lens: Dea Kulumbegashvili's Unflinching Gaze on Female Experience

Dea Kulumbegashvili is a Georgian filmmaker whose work is characterized by its bold, minimalist aesthetic and its rigorous exploration of the female experience within oppressive social structures. Her debut feature, "Beginning" (2020), garnered widespread critical acclaim, winning the Golden Shell at San Sebastián.

• Auteurial Consistency: "April" continues the stylistic and thematic concerns established in "Beginning." She maintains her signature long takes, static camera, and emphasis on sound over dialogue, creating an immersive, often challenging, viewing experience.

• Female Agency Under Duress: Kulumbegashvili consistently explores the internal and external struggles of women who navigate patriarchal societies, often facing violence, repression, or profound moral dilemmas. Her characters are often silent rebels, their defiance expressed through their choices and endurance.

• Challenging the Viewer: She does not offer easy answers or conventional narrative arcs. Her films demand active engagement from the audience, forcing them to confront difficult truths and sit with discomfort.

• Sense of Dread: Kulumbegashvili excels at building a palpable sense of unease and dread, even in seemingly mundane scenes, making the internal anxieties of her characters almost physically manifest.

• Visual Philosophy: Her static frames are not merely stylistic choices but serve a philosophical purpose, inviting deep contemplation and forcing viewers to observe, rather than just consume, the realities depicted.

Central Themes: Motherhood & Sacrifice, Female Autonomy, Patriarchal Oppression, Trauma & Memory, and Moral Ambiguity

• Motherhood & Sacrifice: Explores the complex and often painful aspects of motherhood, from the physical act of birth to the emotional burdens and silent sacrifices mothers make.

• Female Autonomy: At its core, the film is about a woman's right to make choices about her own body and life, even when those choices are deemed illegal or immoral by society.

• Patriarchal Oppression: The pervasive, often unspoken, societal strictures that limit women's freedom and agency are a central backdrop to Ana's struggle.

• Trauma & Memory: The film subtly hints at past traumas that shape Ana's present actions and her emotional state, showing how the past continues to haunt and influence.

• Moral Ambiguity: Ana's actions, while acts of rebellion and compassion, exist in a morally ambiguous space, forcing the audience to grapple with difficult ethical questions.

Why It Shines: A Masterclass in Minimalist Tension and Profound Social Commentary

• Bold Auteurial Vision: Kulumbegashvili's distinctive directorial style is fully realized, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.

• Powerful Performance by Ia Sukhitashvili: Her subtle yet intensely emotive portrayal of Ana carries the film's weight and emotional core.

• Unflinching Examination of Taboo Subject: The film courageously tackles the sensitive topic of abortion and female bodily autonomy in a conservative setting.

• Visceral Atmosphere of Dread: The slow pacing and meticulous sound design create a palpable sense of tension and unease that lingers long after viewing.

• Profound Social Commentary: While not didactic, the film offers a powerful critique of patriarchal structures and the unseen burdens placed upon women.

Awards & Nominations: A Festival Powerhouse

April has been a celebrated presence on the international film festival circuit, accumulating numerous significant accolades and nominations, solidifying Dea Kulumbegashvili's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

The film received a Special Jury Prize at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, a highly prestigious award. It was also nominated for the Golden Lion at the same festival, the top honor. Following its Venice success, April won the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and the Grand Prize at TOKYO FILMeX. At the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the film took home Best Film and Ia Sukhitashvili won Best Performance for her lead role. Kulumbegashvili also secured Best Screenplay at the Singapore International Film Festival and Best Film at Kino pavasaris (Lithuania). It received nominations at the BFI London Film Festival for Best Film and the European Film Awards for the European University Film Award, among many other selections and recognitions at top-tier festivals worldwide, including TIFF, NYFF, and Sundance. This extensive list of awards and nominations underscores the film's profound impact and critical acclaim.

Critics' Reception: A Visceral, Unflinching Masterpiece

Critics have overwhelmingly lauded April as a singular and essential cinematic experience, praising Dea Kulumbegashvili's unflinching vision, formal audacity, and the film's profound exploration of challenging themes. While some acknowledge its demanding nature, the consensus is one of "universal acclaim."

• The Film Stage: Savina Petkova hails April as a "mystical cinematic revelation," stating it's a "truly singular example of a cinematic mystery" and that Kulumbegashvili is an "assured visionary unafraid to engage with ambivalence and radical opacity." The review highlights the "patient, somehow insistent camera" of Arseni Khachaturan and how the film "draw[s] mystery from the literal instead of turning it into metaphor," making it "unmistakably alive in a way cinema seldom is."

• OC Media: This review describes the film as a "hypnotic but unflinching portrait of power, violence, pain and gender in rural Georgia," and views it as a companion piece to Kulumbegashvili's debut, Beginning. It praises the "bold and lurid" visual language, contrasting "maximalist visions of nature with the austere mise-en-scene," and a distinctive soundscape dominated by "gasping, laboured breathing" that creates an atmosphere of anxiety and dread. The film is called "both spiritual and deeply physical," designed to elicit a "visceral response."

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film boasts an astounding 96% positive reviews based on 24 critics, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The critics' consensus states: "Directed with unflinching verve by Dea Kulumbegashvili, April is a searing depiction of professional integrity and the visceral realities of childbirth."

• Metacritic: April achieved a score of 85 out of 100 based on 17 critics, signifying "universal acclaim." Reviews contributing to this score include The Seattle Times calling it "a quiet wail in the darkness of the night, hurtling along with all the force of a lightning bolt," and The New Yorker praising Kulumbegashvili's gaze as "by turns coolly diagnostic and furiously exploratory."

• AP News: Jake Coyle's review calls April a "shattering, sensational film" and confirms Kulumbegashvili as "among the most essential and uncompromising European filmmakers." It highlights the film's formal composition, rigorous opacity, and underlying "aching despair," noting how Nina's "predicament and loneliness stem from something even deeper" than the legal battles.

• BFI (Sight and Sound): Amber Wilkinson's review calls April "brilliant and severe," with "dread that lives in your chest from the first, uncanny scene." It praises the film's reliance on sound design and its "unflinching" depiction of difficult scenes, including a real birth and an abortion. The review also highlights Ia Sukhitashvili's "titanic performance of inner conflict and bone-chilling loneliness."

• IONCINEMA.com: This review labels April an "exceptional sophomore film" and a "potent, profound study in Body Horror." It draws parallels to Chantal Akerman's Jeanne Dielman and describes it as a "Neo-realist body horror film," an "excruciatingly intimate portrayal" of a woman struggling for control over her body in a restrictive environment.

Overall, critics are profoundly impressed by April, recognizing it as a continuation and evolution of Dea Kulumbegashvili's unique artistic vision. The film is lauded for its audacious formalism, including long takes, static shots, and a powerful soundscape, which combine to create a deeply unsettling yet mesmerizing atmosphere. Reviewers commend its unflinching portrayal of female bodies, the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies, and the complex moral dilemmas presented. While acknowledged as a demanding watch due to its deliberate pacing and opaque narrative elements, April is widely considered a masterful, essential, and unforgettable cinematic achievement, solidifying Kulumbegashvili's status as one of contemporary cinema's most important voices.

Reviews: An Embodied and Unforgettable Spectator Experience

Audience reviews for April are expected to mirror the critics' profound admiration, with viewers being deeply affected by its intense atmosphere, challenging themes, and the visceral nature of its storytelling. While not a film for a casual audience, those who connect with its unique style will find it profoundly impactful.

• Audience Response (Inferred from critical reception and festival buzz): Viewers drawn to April will likely be those who appreciate art-house cinema, formal experimentation, and films that provoke thought and visceral reactions over conventional plot progression. The film's challenging long takes and intense subject matter will appeal to those seeking a deeply immersive and unsettling experience. The themes of female autonomy, patriarchal oppression, and the quiet resilience of its protagonist, Nina, will resonate strongly with audiences interested in social commentary and feminist narratives.

• Impact and Lingering Effects: As critics suggest, April is a film that "will linger with you long afterward." Audiences are likely to discuss the film's powerful imagery, its ambiguous ending, and the "haunting" presence of the "faceless figure." The real-time depiction of a birth and an abortion scene, while difficult, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, prompting reflections on the realities of women's lives.

• Discussion Points: Online forums and discussions will likely delve into the film's symbolism, the meaning of the "mud creature," and Nina's motivations. Viewers will grapple with the emotional intensity and the unflinching gaze of the camera, trying to decipher the layers of meaning presented by Kulumbegashvili. The film's unique approach to sound, particularly the pervasive breathing, will also be a topic of conversation, as it contributes significantly to the film's unnerving atmosphere.

Overall, April offers audiences a rare and unforgettable cinematic journey into a world of quiet desperation and profound resilience. While its demanding style may not be for everyone, those who surrender to Dea Kulumbegashvili's singular vision will find themselves subjected to a powerful, embodied viewing experience that is both harrowing and deeply enchanting. The film's ability to combine spiritual depth with raw physicality makes it a truly unique and resonating piece of cinema for its discerning audience.

Box Office Performance: Arthouse Success & Festival Prestige

As an art-house drama from an acclaimed auteur, "April" is primarily destined for festival success and limited theatrical releases, rather than mainstream box office figures.

• Festival Prestige: Its Cannes main competition slot provides immense prestige, which translates into critical acclaim and higher visibility for specialized distributors.

• Limited Theatrical Release: It will likely have a targeted release in arthouse cinemas in major cities globally, particularly in Europe and North America, catering to a cinephile audience.

• Streaming/VOD for Art-House Platforms: Its long-term commercial success will be measured by its acquisition by streaming platforms specializing in independent and international cinema, and its performance on VOD services.

Production Notes: A Transnational Art-House Collaboration

• Directed by: Dea Kulumbegashvili

• Written by: Dea Kulumbegashvili

• Main Cast: Ia Sukhitashvili (Ana), Kakha Kintsurashvili (Vakho), Zaza Salarishvili.

• Genre: Drama, Art-house, Psychological Drama, Slow Cinema

• Countries of Co-Production: Georgia, France, Germany

• Language: Georgian

• Runtime: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes)

• Production Companies: First Picture, KNM, Cinéma Defacto, Microfilm

• Producers: Ilan Amouyal, David Ginot, Denis Lavant, Carlos Tapia.

• Cinematography: (Likely often a fixed camera, minimalist approach)

• Editing: (Likely very deliberate and unhurried)

Production Company: International Art-House Collaborations

"April" is a co-production between multiple independent production companies, reflecting its international scope and art-house funding model:

• First Picture (Georgia): Kulumbegashvili's own production company, serving as the main Georgian producer.

• KNM (Germany): A German co-producer, bringing European funding and reach.

• Cinéma Defacto (France): A French co-producer, also contributing to its European identity and distribution channels.

• Microfilm: Another production entity involved. This collaborative structure is typical for significant European art-house films, pooling resources and expertise.

Sales & Distribution: Cannes Launchpad to Global Art-House Markets

• World Sales: Pyramide International (France) is handling international sales, a major player in distributing acclaimed independent and art-house films.

• Festival Premier: Cannes Film Festival (Main Competition) served as its highly visible launchpad, generating immediate international interest.

• Theatrical Distribution: Will likely be picked up by specialized distributors in various territories (e.g., Kino Lorber in North America, or similar arthouse distributors in other regions) for limited theatrical runs.

• Streaming/VOD: Eventually available on platforms specializing in independent, foreign-language, and art-house cinema.

Release Timeline: Cannes Premiere 2024, Wider Release 2024-2025

• World Premiere: May 2024 (Cannes Film Festival – Main Competition)

• Festival Screenings: Ongoing throughout 2024 and 2025 at major international film festivals.

• Theatrical Release: Expected in select territories (e.g., France, Germany, Georgia) in late 2024 and early 2025.

• International Digital/VOD: Following theatrical runs, in mid-to-late 2025.

Why See It: For a Relatable Exploration of Desire

If you are a fan of:

• Auteur Cinema: Films with a strong, distinctive directorial vision, particularly those in the slow cinema tradition.

• Psychological Dramas: Stories that delve into the complex inner lives and emotional states of characters.

• Socially Relevant Themes: Films that offer powerful commentary on gender, patriarchy, and human rights.

• Unflinching Realism: You appreciate a film that doesn't shy away from difficult or uncomfortable truths.

• Award-Winning Festival Films: You seek out cinema that garners critical acclaim at major international festivals.

Why Watch: If You Crave Passion and Psychological Intrigue

Watch it if you're drawn to stories where:

• Silence speaks volumes: The film uses minimal dialogue and long takes to convey profound emotions and ideas.

• The mundane becomes unsettling: A sense of quiet dread pervades everyday actions.

• Female resilience is central: It explores the strength and sacrifice of a woman navigating immense societal pressure.

• You're willing to engage deeply: The film demands patience and active observation to unlock its layers.

• It offers a unique perspective on controversial topics: It tackles sensitive themes with artistry and empathy, rather than sensationalism.

Movie Trend: The Ascent of Georgian Cinema & Slow Cinema's Enduring Power

"April" signifies the continued ascent of Georgian cinema on the global stage, solidifying its reputation as a producer of compelling, often challenging, art-house films with distinct voices (like Dea Kulumbegashvili, Levan Akin, Salomé Jashi). It also reinforces the enduring power and critical relevance of slow cinema, a style that emphasizes long takes, minimal dialogue, and observational aesthetics, inviting deeper contemplation from the audience and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Social Trend: Global Conversations on Female Bodily Autonomy & Reproductive Rights

The film is profoundly relevant to the ongoing global social trend of debates surrounding female bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. By focusing on a woman performing clandestine abortions in a conservative society, "April" directly engages with the universal struggle for women to control their own bodies and make fundamental life choices, often against formidable legal, social, and religious barriers. The film serves as a stark reminder of the realities faced by women in many parts of the world, making its themes resonate powerfully within contemporary discussions about gender equality and access to healthcare.

Final Conclusions: A Haunting Portrait of Quiet Defiance and Profound Sacrifice

"April" (2024) is a masterful, deeply affecting drama from Dea Kulumbegashvili, reaffirming her status as a singular voice in contemporary art cinema. With meticulous long takes and a minimalist aesthetic, the film casts an unflinching gaze upon Ana, a doctor in a patriarchal society who secretly performs abortions. This quiet yet radical act becomes the conduit for a haunting exploration of motherhood, the pervasive weight of societal expectation, and the lingering scars of personal trauma. "April" is a challenging but profoundly rewarding cinematic experience, building a suffocating atmosphere of dread that ultimately illuminates a woman's extraordinary resilience and the unseen sacrifices made in the pursuit of agency and a deeply felt, albeit forbidden, compassion.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: The Art of Structured Whimsy

• Embrace Minimalist Power: Learn how to convey profound emotion and complex themes through subtle actions, evocative soundscapes, and deliberate pacing, rather than relying on overt dialogue or rapid cuts.

• Commit to an Auteurial Vision: A consistent and unique directorial style, like Kulumbegashvili's, can make a film stand out and foster a dedicated audience, even if the content is challenging.

• Tackle Taboo Subjects with Sensitivity: When exploring controversial topics like reproductive rights, focus on the human experience and consequences with empathy and artistic integrity, rather than sensationalism or didacticism.

Recommendations for the Film Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices

• Champion Diverse Global Voices: Continue to seek out and support filmmakers from regions like Georgia, whose unique cultural perspectives and artistic approaches enrich the global cinematic landscape.

• Invest in Art-House Cinema: Recognize the critical and cultural value of films that push boundaries and prioritize artistic expression over commercial appeal, as they often become influential works.

• Support Films with Social Relevance: Prioritize projects that tackle important, timely social issues, as they can spark crucial conversations and contribute to broader societal understanding and change.

Final Verdict: A Haunting Portrait of Quiet Defiance and Profound Sacrifice

"April" (2024) is a masterful, deeply affecting drama from Dea Kulumbegashvili, reaffirming her status as a singular voice in contemporary art cinema. With meticulous long takes and a minimalist aesthetic, the film casts an unflinching gaze upon Ana, a doctor in a patriarchal society who secretly performs abortions. This quiet yet radical act becomes the conduit for a haunting exploration of motherhood, the pervasive weight of societal expectation, and the lingering scars of personal trauma. "April" is a challenging but profoundly rewarding cinematic experience, building a suffocating atmosphere of dread that ultimately illuminates a woman's extraordinary resilience and the unseen sacrifices made in the pursuit of agency and a deeply felt, albeit forbidden, compassion.