Oxana (2024) by Charlène Favier: The Revolutionary Spirit of a Feminist Icon

Short Summary: A Voice Against Injustice

"Oxana" is a hard-hitting biographical drama that follows the life of Oksana Shachko, co-founder of the radical feminist movement FEMEN. The film chronicles her journey from a young revolutionary in Ukraine, using her body as a tool for protest, to a political refugee in Paris grappling with the trauma and betrayals suffered during her fight.

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

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

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

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/oxana

Detailed Summary: From Activist to Artist

• The Genesis of a Movement: The film opens in Ukraine in 2008, where a young Oxana and her friends are igniting a new wave of protest. They use topless demonstrations with painted slogans and flower crowns to fight against a corrupt government, patriarchy, sex tourism, and pro-Russian influence. This marks the birth of FEMEN, one of the most significant feminist movements of the 21st century.

• The Personal Cost of Resistance: The narrative is not just a chronological account of FEMEN's actions. It delves into the personal and emotional toll of their activism. Through a series of flashbacks, the film shows the betrayals, violence, and psychological trauma that Oxana endured as a result of her relentless fight for women's rights and freedom.

• A New Life in Exile: As a political refugee in Paris, Oxana tries to forge a new life. She pursues her passion as an artist, creating a series of "blasphemous icons" for a solo exhibition. The film follows her on a single day, as she navigates encounters with lovers and an art critic, while also having to confirm her political refugee status.

• A Struggle for Hope: "Oxana" is ultimately a film about the struggle to find a new purpose after a life of constant protest. It questions whether Oxana can reawaken her desire to live and find a way to heal from the wounds of her past.

Director's Vision: Beyond the Slogan

• With "Oxana," director Charlène Favier, known for her acclaimed debut Slalom, aims to move beyond the public image of a topless activist and reveal the complex, vulnerable person behind the protests. Favier’s vision is to create a poignant and raw portrait of a "modern revolutionary" and to explore the personal cost of resistance.

• The film uses a non-linear narrative structure, interweaving Oxana’s present-day life in Paris with powerful flashbacks to her activism in Ukraine. This approach allows Favier to show the profound connection between the past and the present, and to explore the lasting impact of trauma on a revolutionary's psyche.

Themes: The Price of Activism

• Activism and Trauma: A central theme of the film is the psychological toll of activism. It shows how fighting for a cause can lead to both empowerment and profound emotional and physical trauma. The film is a sobering reminder that a revolutionary's journey is often marked by deep personal sacrifice.

• The Body as a Weapon: The film explores the concept of the body as a political tool. Oxana and the FEMEN activists use their bodies to challenge patriarchy and a corrupt system. The film delves into the power and the vulnerability of this form of protest.

• Identity and Exile: "Oxana" also tackles themes of identity and exile. As a political refugee, Oxana struggles to find a sense of belonging and to define herself outside of her role as a high-profile activist. The film asks what happens to a revolutionary when the revolution is over.

Key success factors: Raw Portrayal and Timely Subject

• A Powerful and Authentic Performance: The film's success hinges on a powerful performance from its lead actress, Albina Korzh. Her portrayal of Oksana Shachko is noted for its raw authenticity, capturing both the strength of the activist and the vulnerability of the woman behind her.

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: "Oxana" is a film with a deeply relevant and timely subject. It explores themes of feminism, political resistance, and the refugee experience, which resonate with a global audience today.

• Charlène Favier's Directorial Vision: Favier's return to the world of feminist struggle after her debut Slalom is a key factor. Her ability to create an intimate and emotionally resonant portrait is a significant draw for audiences and critics.

Awards and Nominations: A Strong Festival Contender

"Oxana" has been an official selection at several international film festivals, including the Munich Film Festival and the Luxembourg City Film Festival. Its presence on the festival circuit, along with the director's track record, positions it as a strong contender for future awards.

Critics Reception: A Moving and Unflinching Tribute

• Cineuropa: In its review, Cineuropa praised the film as a "moving fiction film" that traces the "revolutionary and artistic existence" of a FEMEN founder. The critic noted the film's "courage and adversity" and its unflinching look at the personal cost of resistance.

• Variety: Early reviews from publications like Variety, while not available in full, have highlighted the film's "hard-hitting portrait" and its exploration of feminist resistance. Critics have praised the film for its emotional depth and its powerful portrayal of a complicated historical figure.

• Overall Summary: "Oxana" has received positive critical reception, with praise for its honest and empathetic portrayal of a controversial figure. Critics have lauded the film for its timely themes and its ability to explore the human story behind the headlines, making it a compelling and important work.

Reviews: An Emotional and Powerful Character Study

• Early reviews describe the film as an emotional and powerful character study. They highlight the film's unique narrative structure, which allows for a deeper understanding of Oksana's psychological journey. The film is described as a poignant tribute that is both a celebration of activism and a sobering look at its consequences.

• Overall Summary: "Oxana" is lauded as a well-crafted and deeply affecting film. It is praised for its powerful message, its compelling performances, and its ability to tell a sensitive and difficult story with grace and authenticity.

Why to recommend this movie: A Story That Will Challenge You

• A Glimpse into a Revolution: "Oxana" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of feminism and the birth of a radical movement.

• For Fans of Biographical Dramas: If you enjoy films that delve into the lives of complex and influential figures, this film offers a raw and intimate look at a revolutionary artist.

• A Film with a Purpose: The film is not just entertainment; it's a thought-provoking work that will challenge you to think about the nature of activism, the price of freedom, and the struggle to find hope in a difficult world.

Movie Trend: The Politically Charged Biopic

"Oxana" is a prime example of the politically charged biopic trend. This trend sees filmmakers using the lives of real, often controversial, figures to explore larger social and political issues. These films aim to be more than just a historical account; they are a commentary on the world we live in today.

Social Trend: The Global Feminist Movement

The film is directly connected to the ongoing social trend of the global feminist movement. By exploring the history of one of the movement's most radical factions, the film provides context for the ongoing struggles for women's rights and equality around the world.

Final Verdict: An Unforgettable and Essential Story

"Oxana" is an unforgettable and essential film that tells a difficult story with courage and sensitivity. It is a powerful and intimate portrait of a revolutionary and a sobering reminder of the high price of freedom. The film is a must-see for anyone who wants to be moved, challenged, and inspired by a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a fighter.