Quattro figlie

One of the finest movies of the year, Kaouther Ben Hania's "Four Daughters" offers an illuminating exposé into family dynamics and generational trauma within a radically repressive society. Following a single mother and her two youngest daughters re-enacting their childhood with stand-in actors portraying the mother (for whenever she is overwhelmed playing herself) and her two oldest daughters who eventually went on to join the Islamic State, the movie brilliantly navigates the trauma and the bitterness of their tragic past without ever appearing distasteful.

With one of Tunisia's most talented contemporary directors at the helm, Kaouther Ben Hania presents an expertly crafted documentary that stresses the importance of independence, education, and societal deradicalization.

Four daughters is a film like no other. Mixing documentary with reenactment of the past with actors is as interesting as it is confusing to watch.

I found the untreated trauma, lack of emotional development and self reflection of Olfa painful to watch, eventhough the film gave a good glance on what life can look like as a victim of generational trauma. I wouldn't say I completely understand her actions but it's clear how her experiences broke her judgement on what's good and bad.

And for the youngest daughters, I very much hope they get the treatment and rest they deserve. Some say the making of the film might have been therapeutic for them, but I highly question that. The point where the male actor stopped the scene on the bed was heartbreaking and made me question whether the makers understood what they were dealing with.

I feel like both Olfa and her daughters - who are adults (looking at their behavior I thought they were younger), are not aware enough of their own trauma to judge whether partaking in such a film is a good thing for them. Same goes for the makers. But then again, the fact that I think that might say more about me and how i view trauma, therapy and personal choice than about them.

You're probably reading this with the benefit of hindsight but as I am writing it in Feb 2024, I can't help but wonder what's going to happen at the Oscars. This should be a close one. 20 Days in Mariupol is a hard core documentary and really powerful one (I would say still in pole position for the golden bald guy) but Four Daughters is a wonderful film. It deserves at least just as much to win.

The way it's laid out, the structure, the perspective, even a healthy dose of suspense. Very insightful, very daring, brave, unforgiving. Its shortcomings are minimal and have to do with the style - I would have appreciated a stronger cinematic touch, slightly more careful camera work to compliment its originality. And perhaps more clarity here and there.

But other than that, wonderful.

Filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania has created an interesting fictional documentary that remains powerful and emotional with strong themes explored, great conversations between the characters and actors and Hania's approach on the realism. Hania had previously made The Man Who Sold His Skin and Beauty and the Dogs which while they aren't perfect, they are ambitious Tunisian movies that are defiantly with a watch. Four Daughters might just be Hania's best work so far.

Hania's direction and approach on the film is perfect as she is able to balance out the setting and themes of the troubles of the Islamic system and it's consequences and affects on the characters. The themes of motherhood, violence, culture and memories are well-explored and the dialogue and commentaries were though-provoking and interesting to observe. Many of the actors that are portraying the characters for the documentary were interesting to observe as each actor brings out the best emotions and complexity of the character situations, setting and personalities without feeling out of place. They all had interesting things to say and many are really likable.

Many of the camerawork is pretty good, the color presentation is beautiful, and the conversations between the actors are well-done. There are some lines and moments that are still burned into my memory because of how well and powerful they were. There wasn't a single boring moment throughout as I was both meant with emotions of laughter, tears and slightly horrified due to the contexts it explored. Having won the L'Oeil d'or award at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, I can see why.

Overall, it's definitely a bit different on the typical documentary approach but I absolutely loved how powerful and emotional the movie is.

It's an incredible film (documentary) with heart-wrenching, funny and highly nuanced performances. It wouldn't be right to call it a "performance" as the reality is literally unfolding in front of your eyes. But still. The film, for me, has completely blurred the lines between what is real and what is not. By the end of the film, I was left with a funny feeling in my stomach, and its a rare feeling for all I believe. I hope it comes out on a platform soon so that it reaches the right kind of audience and gets the appreciation it deserves.

The filmmaker, the actors, and lastly Olfa and her daughters -- they all have my heart.