Cert: 18 | ★★★★✩
French writer-director Audrey Diwan delivers a poignant abortion-themed drama in her Venice Golden Lion-winning new film Happening. Based on the 2000 novel of the same name by French author and academic Annie Ernaux, the film stars Anamaria Vartolomei as a young woman attempting to cope with an unwanted pregnancy while preparing to pass her university entry exam. Vartolomei won a César — French Oscar — award for Most Promising Actress for her starring role in the film.
It’s 1963 France, and Anne (Vartolomei) a young and talented college student sees her opportunities to finish her studies slipping away from her when she gets accidentally pregnant. Determined to pursue her studies, Anne seeks a dangerous and illegal abortion in the hope of putting her mistake behind her and moving on with her life.
As her pregnancy progresses, the young woman finds herself dealing with the shame and pain of two attempted, and mostly botched, illegal abortions which could land her in prison or result in her untimely death.
Diwan delivers an unflinching honest and visceral account of what remains a controversial subject. As the current onslaught on women’s right to choose continues, particularly in the US, the film feels like a timely reminder of the atrocities endured by women through the ages.
Diwan’s film is not only astutely executed, it is also unflinchingly unapologetic about its depiction of dangerous back street abortions. As Anne becomes more and more determined to have a termination, we sense that it’s not just her life that hangs in the balance, but rather our collective futures that are intertwined with hers.
Happening is not so much a battle cry, but more a declaration of independence from the shackles of the patriarchy. Diwan has given us a gorgeously layered story about female empowerment that feels more realistic than any other film on the subject. It may not be for the faint hearted, but it should be an essential watch.