Dea Kulumbegashvili’s ‘Nina,’ a storm-soaked exploration of a female ob-gyn who conducts illegal abortions in rural Georgia, is one of the most impactful and thought-provoking films of this year’s Venice Film Festival. From the opening scenes, where a naked woman walks through a pool of pitch blackness, the film immerses the viewer in a world of unsettling tension and emotional unease. This feeling persists throughout, creating an atmosphere that is both visually striking and deeply unsettling.
The film centers around Nina (Ia Sukhitashvili), a stoic and enigmatic obstetrician-gynaecologist, who is accused of performing illegal abortions after a baby dies during a delivery. As colleagues question her professionalism and label her a murderer, Nina remains unwavering in her commitment to helping women in need. She operates with a detached practicality, reminiscent of Alan Clarke’s ‘The Firm,’ a 1987 television movie that depicted the harsh realities of drug dealing in a similar manner.
Kulumbegashvili’s film doesn’t shy away from depicting the emotionally charged realities of abortion. The scenes are subtly heartbreaking, showcasing the vulnerability of the women seeking help. Long takes, coupled with the sound of cowbells in the distance, create a jarring juxtaposition between the quiet desperation of the women seeking abortions and the indifference of the outside world.
The film’s exploration of the abortion debate in Georgia is particularly poignant. While abortion is legal in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is only available at specific medical centers, primarily in larger cities. This, combined with restrictive measures implemented by the Ministry of Health in 2023, has severely limited access to abortion care for women in rural areas.
To authentically portray Nina’s character and her work, Kulumbegashvili and Sukhitashvili spent time in a local maternity ward, observing live births and filming in a makeshift courtyard. Their immersive research is evident in the film’s realistic portrayal of medical professionals, capturing the immense stress and the inherent need for empathy and compassion that defines the profession.
The film’s visual style, characterized by long stretches of purple-hued roads and shaky camera work, reflects Nina’s internal turmoil. The viewer is constantly placed in her perspective, experiencing the instability and chaos of her life. This technique creates a feeling of being trapped within a body that is losing control, highlighting the emotional and physical struggles surrounding abortion.
Through Nina’s experiences, the film explores the complexities of female existence, grappling with themes of societal pressures, personal trauma, and the fight for bodily autonomy. ‘Nina’ is a powerful testament to the unwavering spirit of women who seek to control their own bodies and destinies, even in the face of adversity. This film is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights, a fight that requires courage, resilience, and unwavering support. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you contemplating the complexities of female agency and the profound impact of societal restrictions on women’s lives.
