New Movies: April (2024) by Dea Kulumbegashvili: A Visceral Portrait of Resilience in Rural Georgia

Dea Kulumbegashvili's "April" is a Georgian drama that delves into the harrowing reality of a rural obstetrician, Nina, who secretly provides abortions amidst a deeply patriarchal society. Following a tragic stillbirth, Nina faces accusations and scrutiny, forcing her to defend her values and actions in a world that seeks to control women's bodies and autonomy. The film is a stark, uncompromising, and highly stylized exploration of female agency, survival, and the oppressive forces at play in a remote Georgian community.

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

Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/sep/05/april-review-dea-kulumbegashvili-abortion

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

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

Detailed Summary

Set in a remote Georgian village, "April" centers on Nina (played by Ia Sukhitashvili), a dedicated obstetrician. The film opens with a raw and unflinching depiction of a stillbirth, an event that triggers an investigation into Nina's practices. It becomes apparent that Nina, out of a deep commitment to her patients and their autonomy, provides discreet and often illegal abortions and family planning services to the women in the outlying villages. This makes her a target in a society where patriarchal traditions and religious dogma heavily influence daily life and women's bodies are policed. As the investigation intensifies, Nina's life comes under intense scrutiny, jeopardizing her livelihood, reputation, and freedom. Despite the mounting pressure and ostracization, Nina remains fiercely committed to her patients, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Kulumbegashvili employs a unique and often austere cinematic language, characterized by long takes, minimal dialogue, and an immersive sound design, to create a disorienting and deeply sensorial experience. The film is a profound meditation on trauma, survival, female independence, and the pervasive dread that permeates the lives of women in this oppressive environment.

Plot summary

• Tragic Opening: The film begins with a visceral and unflinching depiction of a stillbirth, which Nina, an obstetrician in rural Georgia, attends.

• Investigation and Accusations: Following the stillbirth, Nina is accused of negligence. The ensuing investigation threatens to expose her "illegal sideline" of providing abortions and contraception to local women.

• Nina's Dedication: Despite the legal and social risks, Nina remains deeply committed to her patients, understanding their desperate need for reproductive control in a restrictive society.

• Patriarchal Scrutiny: Nina, as a single woman who challenges societal norms, becomes an easy target for a patriarchal system that seeks to control female independence and bodily autonomy.

• Ostracization and Resilience: As the accusations mount, Nina faces increasing scrutiny and ostracization from the community. However, she persists in her medical duties and her commitment to the women she serves.

• Stark Realities of Rural Life: The film portrays the harsh realities of life in a remote Georgian village, where traditions and strict societal expectations limit women's freedoms.

• Sensory and Ambiguous Narrative: The narrative often relies on visual and sonic elements, including long takes and a haunting soundtrack, to convey Nina's internal struggle and the oppressive atmosphere, rather than explicit dialogue or clear plot explanations.

Director's Vision

• Exploration of Existence and Womanhood: Dea Kulumbegashvili's primary goal with "April" was to "explore and analyse the dichotomy and convergence between existence and womanhood," naturally leading her to themes of birth and death.

• Epic Quality of a Singular Woman: She aimed to portray Nina as a "singular woman, a character imbued with an epic quality," highlighting her struggle against formidable societal forces.

• Radical Opacity and Ambivalence: Kulumbegashvili is known for her distinctive storytelling style, which embraces ambivalence and "radical opacity," inviting viewers to feel their way through the film rather than having everything explicitly explained.

• Mediated Reality: Like her previous work, "Beginning," "April" is inspired by fictionalized stories gleaned from the real world, particularly from her hometown in Georgia, mediating reality through her unique cinematic lens.

• Immersive Visual and Sonic Language: Kulumbegashvili, along with cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan, creates an immersive experience through patient, insistent camerawork, long takes, and amplified nature sounds, making the film feel "fleshy and real."

• Mystery from the Literal: Her vision involves drawing mystery from the literal, where everything onscreen is what it looks like, but also "something more," rather than relying on conventional metaphors or allegories.

• Unflinching Confrontation: The film doesn't shy away from confronting the viewer with strong, affecting, and harrowing imagery, including a real birth sequence, to convey the intensity of the themes.

Themes

• Female Autonomy and Bodily Control: A central theme is the struggle for women's control over their own bodies, particularly concerning reproductive rights, in a society that seeks to dictate their choices.

• Patriarchy and Oppression: The film starkly portrays the pervasive influence of patriarchal traditions and societal norms that curtail women's freedoms and independence in rural Georgia.

• Birth, Death, and the Cycle of Life: As an obstetrician, Nina is at the nexus of life and death, and the film profoundly explores these fundamental human experiences, often with an unsettling rawness.

• Resilience and Survival: Nina's unwavering commitment to her patients despite facing accusations and ostracization highlights the theme of female resilience in the face of immense adversity.

• Guilt and Accountability: The investigation into the stillbirth raises questions of professional negligence, personal responsibility, and how individuals are judged by their communities.

• Isolation and Community: The remote Georgian village setting emphasizes themes of isolation, both physical and emotional, and the complexities of community judgment and support (or lack thereof).

• The Unseen and the Unexplained: The film integrates surreal or ambiguous elements, such as a mysterious female figure, which contribute to a sense of dread and the inexplicable forces at play.

Key success factors

• Dea Kulumbegashvili's Visionary Directing: Her unique, uncompromising, and distinctive directorial style, characterized by long takes, formal rigor, and a focus on atmosphere and sound, is widely praised as singular and masterful.

• Ia Sukhitashvili's Performance: Ia Sukhitashvili's portrayal of Nina is consistently lauded for its intensity, stoicism, and ability to convey deep inner conflict and loneliness, even with minimal dialogue.

• Exceptional Cinematography: Arseni Khachaturan's patient and artful cinematography is a key strength, creating visually arresting and often unsettling frames that contribute significantly to the film's immersive quality.

• Immersive Sound Design: The film's meticulous sound design, including amplified nature sounds and a pervasive breathing motif, creates a disorienting and visceral experience for the audience.

• Unflinching Honesty: "April" confronts difficult and often graphic realities (like the opening birth scene) with an uncompromising honesty that resonates powerfully with critics.

• Thematic Depth: The film delves into complex and timely themes such as female autonomy, patriarchy, and the cycles of life and death, offering a profound and often haunting meditation.

Awards and Nominations

"April" has garnered significant international acclaim and awards:

• Venice International Film Festival (2024): Won the Special Jury Prize and was nominated for the prestigious Golden Lion.

• San Sebastián International Film Festival (2024): Won the Zabaltegi-Tabakalera Award.

• Asia Pacific Screen Awards (2024): Won Best Film and Best Performance (for Ia Sukhitashvili). Dea Kulumbegashvili was also nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay, and Arseni Khachaturan for Best Cinematography.

• TOKYO FILMeX (2024): Won the Grand Prize.

• BFI London Film Festival (2024): Nominated for Best Film.

• European Film Awards (2024): Nominated for the European University Film Award.

• Singapore International Film Festival (2024): Won Best Screenplay.

• Sundance Film Festival (2025): Official Selection.

• Toronto International Film Festival (2024): Official Selection.

• New York Film Festival (2024): Official Selection.

Critics Reception:

"April" has been met with widespread critical acclaim.

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a "Certified Fresh" rating of 96% positive reviews from 24 critics, with an average rating of 7.6/10.

• Metacritic: It has a Metascore of 85 out of 100, based on 17 critics, indicating "universal acclaim."

Reviews:

Here's a summary of reviews from various sites:

• AP News: Jake Coyle describes "April" as a "shattering, sensational film" that confirms Kulumbegashvili as one of the most "essential and uncompromising European filmmakers." The review highlights the film's formal composition, rigorous opacity, and underlying despair, particularly concerning the fraught issue of abortion in Georgia and the intense isolation faced by the protagonist, Nina. The cinematography is praised for its ability to toggle between objective and subjective perspectives, and Ia Sukhitashvili's performance is noted for its expressive yearning. The review also touches upon the enigmatic, faceless figure, leaving it open to interpretation as a symbol of Nina's tortured soul or the plight of the unborn.

• IMDb (User Reviews): While IMDb's overall critic score is high, the user reviews section shows a more mixed bag. One user praises Kulumbegashvili for creating a "complex story about abortion" and demonstrating "groundbreaking talents and the beauty of cinema," highlighting the sound design, writing, camerawork, and performances. However, another user found the film "far too long for the amount of story," criticizing the slow pacing, excessive and distracting nudity, and lack of symbolic or narrative justification, ultimately deeming it "self-indulgent and hollow."

• Metacritic (Critic Reviews): Metacritic aggregates many positive reviews.

  • The Irish Times calls Kulumbegashvili a "new cinematic poet" and finds the film "difficult, abrasive, [but] worth persevering with."

  • IndieWire describes it as "remarkable and shudderingly unresolved," where "blessings and despair tend to become one and the same."

  • The New Yorker praises Kulumbegashvili's gaze as "by turns coolly diagnostic and furiously exploratory."

  • The Hollywood Reporter acknowledges some elements that "don't work all that well" but finds the cinematography and dramatic elements "impactful and striking."

  • RogerEbert.com labels "April" as "exquisite as it is excruciating," a film that lingers but might not be rewatched.

  • The New York Times acknowledges the film is "easy to admire" but finds Kulumbegashvili's use of art-film conventions "wearyingly familiar" at times.

• The Film Stage: The review hails "April" as a "mystical cinematic revelation," emphasizing its uniqueness and Kulumbegashvili's ability to engage with "ambivalence and radical opacity." It notes the film's reliance on amplified nature sounds, time passing, and an unsettling off-screen presence, creating a sense of sentience. The review praises Kulumbegashvili's ability to draw mystery from the literal without resorting to metaphor, making the on-screen elements both what they are and "something more."

• The Skinny: This review highlights the film's examination of power, abuse, repression, and class dynamics, drawing parallels to realist filmmaking. It notes the defiant portrayal of graphic birth scenes and abortions with "refreshing neutrality," emphasizing Kulumbegashvili's desire to convey women's experiences "just the way they are."

• Sight and Sound (BFI): The review describes "April" as a "brilliant, severe abortion drama" where dread "lives in your chest from the first, uncanny scene." It praises Kulumbegashvili's exquisite precision in visuals and eerie reliance on sound design, particularly the omnipresent breathing motif. The review delves into the film's exploration of patriarchal societal pressures and the protagonist's acts of compassion, even for illicit procedures, and points out the chilling impact of the film's brutal formalism and intellectual rigor in conveying a fraught feminism.

• IONCINEMA.com: This review labels "April" as an "exceptional sophomore film," a "potent, profound study in body horror." It highlights the long, distilled static shots reminiscent of Chantal Akerman's work, and how the film delves into the protagonist's self-destruction and her burden of womanhood in a restrictive environment. The review praises the film's ability to convey themes of control over one's body, even as it sometimes veers into abstract, unsettling sequences.

• In Review Online: This review notes how "April" is "almost confrontationally oppositional" to Kulumbegashvili's debut, "Beginning," by featuring a protagonist who is an "active participant" rather than passively enduring. It praises the film's "aesthetically varied depictions of Nina's alienation," including moments that push it into "abstract creature feature" territory, leaving an undeniable emotional impression.

Overall Summary:

"April" by Dea Kulumbegashvili has been overwhelmingly praised by critics for its bold and uncompromising vision. The film is consistently described as formally rigorous, often challenging, and deeply impactful. Critics frequently highlight:

• Kulumbegashvili's distinctive directorial style: Characterized by long takes, sparse dialogue, and a powerful sense of atmosphere, often described as unsettling or dread-inducing.

• The central theme of abortion and female bodily autonomy: Explored within a patriarchal and often repressive Georgian society, with a refreshingly neutral and unflinching portrayal of medical procedures.

• The compelling performance of Ia Sukhitashvili: Her portrayal of Nina, the isolated and stoic OB-GYN, is consistently singled out for its intensity and emotional depth.

• Arseni Khachaturan's striking cinematography: Which often creates a sense of both familiarity and uncanniness, using natural landscapes and stark compositions to great effect.

• The masterful sound design: Which contributes significantly to the film's atmosphere and often conveys unspoken anxieties.

• The film's deliberate ambiguity and resistance to easy interpretation: Particularly regarding the mysterious, non-human figure and the protagonist's complex motivations.

While some critics acknowledge the film's challenging pacing or occasional stylistic choices that might be seen as self-indulgent by some, the overwhelming consensus is that "April" is a powerful, essential, and unforgettable cinematic experience that further cements Dea Kulumbegashvili's status as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.

Production Summary

"April" is a multinational co-production involving companies from Georgia, Italy, and France. Directed by Dea Kulumbegashvili, it reunites her with cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan and lead actress Ia Sukhitashvili from her acclaimed debut, "Beginning." The film's production involved intensive research, including Kulumbegashvili embedding herself in a working maternity ward. Its development was supported by various funds and production entities across Europe.

Production companies

• Independent Film Project (Georgia)

• Tenderstories (Italy)

• MeMo Films (France)

• Frenesy Film Company (Italy)

• First Picture (Georgia)

• Arte France Cinema (France)

Sales companies

Goodfellas (formerly Wild Bunch International) handles international sales.

Theatrical Release

"April" premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024. It has since screened at numerous prestigious festivals including Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), San Sebastián International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival (2025), and New York Film Festival. Specific limited theatrical release dates in various countries are likely to follow these festival screenings.

Why to recommend this movie

• For Art-House Cinephiles: If you appreciate challenging, formally audacious, and visually striking cinema that pushes boundaries.

• Fans of Dea Kulumbegashvili: A must-watch for those who admire her previous work, "Beginning," as it further cements her unique directorial voice.

• Powerful Female Storytelling: It's an unflinching and vital exploration of female agency and resilience in the face of systemic oppression.

• Exceptional Cinematography and Sound: The film is a masterclass in visual and aural storytelling, creating a truly immersive and haunting atmosphere.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: It delves deeply into complex themes of life, death, autonomy, and societal control, prompting profound reflection.

Why to Watch Movie

• To Witness a Masterpiece of Slow Cinema: If you're willing to surrender to a deliberate pace and a sensory experience that unfolds slowly and profoundly.

• For a Raw and Unflinching Look at Life: The film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of its subject matter, including a graphic birth scene, offering a deeply authentic portrayal.

• To Experience a Unique Vision: Dea Kulumbegashvili's filmmaking style is unlike most contemporary cinema, offering a fresh and unforgettable perspective.

• For a Powerful Central Performance: Ia Sukhitashvili delivers a commanding and deeply resonant performance as Nina.

• To Engage with Important Social Commentary: The film's subtext on female oppression and reproductive rights is highly relevant and impactful.

Movie Trend

The "Demanding Art-House" Trend: "April" exemplifies the ongoing trend of demanding, formally rigorous art-house cinema that prioritizes atmosphere, theme, and sensory immersion over conventional plot or dialogue. These films often gain significant traction and awards at major international festivals, appealing to a dedicated audience of cinephiles and critics. This trend is characterized by long takes, minimal dialogue, and an often stark or challenging visual style, pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

Social Trend

Reproductive Rights and Female Autonomy in a Patriarchal World: "April" directly engages with the pressing global social trend of ongoing battles over reproductive rights and female bodily autonomy, particularly in regions where patriarchal traditions and religious conservatism are strong. The film highlights the real-world implications for women in such societies, where access to essential healthcare, like abortions and contraception, is restricted or illegal. It underscores the vital role of individuals like Nina who risk everything to provide care and support to women, resonating with global conversations about women's liberation, human rights, and the fight against gender-based oppression.

Final Verdict

Dea Kulumbegashvili's "April" is an extraordinary and fiercely original cinematic achievement. It is a demanding yet ultimately deeply rewarding experience, pushing the boundaries of storytelling through its austere formal choices and unflinching gaze. With its powerful central performance, haunting visuals, and profound thematic depth, "April" stands as a significant and unforgettable film that solidifies Kulumbegashvili's position as one of the most exciting and vital voices in contemporary world cinema. It is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to immerse themselves in its unique vision, it offers a truly profound and unsettling meditation on female resilience and existence.

Recommendations for film makers

• Embrace Formal Audacity: "April" demonstrates the power of formal experimentation, such as long takes and minimalist dialogue, to create profound impact and distinguish a film. Filmmakers should be encouraged to trust their unique artistic vision.

• Prioritize Sensory Immersion: Invest heavily in sound design and cinematography to create an all-encompassing experience that can convey emotions and themes beyond explicit narrative.

• Trust the Audience to Engage: Don't feel the need to over-explain plot points or motivations. Allow ambiguity and subtext to drive meaning, inviting deeper audience interpretation.

• Draw from Authentic Local Realities: Kulumbegashvili's ability to create universal themes from specific, local contexts (rural Georgia) is a powerful example of culturally rich storytelling.

• Focus on Character Internal Worlds: Even with minimal dialogue, a strong performance and subtle visual cues can reveal profound emotional and psychological depth.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Champion Unique Voices: The industry should continue to seek out and support directors like Dea Kulumbegashvili who possess distinct artistic visions and are willing to challenge cinematic conventions.

• Support International Co-productions for Arthouse Films: The collaborative financing model for "April" demonstrates how diverse funding sources can bring challenging and important films to fruition.

• Recognize the Value of Film Festivals: Festivals remain crucial platforms for "discovery" and building critical buzz for artistically significant films that may not have mainstream appeal.

• Invest in Specialized Distribution: Acknowledge that not all films are meant for wide commercial release. Develop robust strategies for specialized theatrical runs and art-house streaming platforms to ensure these films find their dedicated audience.

• Encourage Films Addressing Difficult Social Realities: "April" proves that cinema can be a powerful tool for confronting sensitive and often uncomfortable societal issues, sparking important conversations and fostering empathy.

Final Conclusions

"April" is a testament to the power of uncompromising filmmaking. Dea Kulumbegashvili has delivered a masterpiece that is as challenging as it is captivating, cementing her status as a visionary director. It is a crucial film for its unflinching portrayal of female resilience against patriarchal oppression and its profound exploration of life, death, and human autonomy. While its demanding style may not appeal to all, its universal critical acclaim and numerous awards signify its immense artistic merit and importance in contemporary cinema. "April" is not merely a film to watch; it is an experience to be felt, absorbed, and deeply considered.