The film L'Événement, directed by Audrey Diwan and featuring Anamaria Vartolomei, takes audiences back to 1963 France, where the repercussions of unplanned pregnancy plunge young women like Anne, the film's protagonist, deep within the shadows of societal expectations and legal restrictions surrounding abortion.
Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning feminist movement, L'Événement tells the harrowing story of Anne, who becomes pregnant shortly before her examinations. The narrative highlights the dire circumstances for women at the time, where abortion was illegal and contraception was not made available until 1967. Armed with determination but isolated by societal norms, Anne's plight resonates with audiences as she seeks to manage both her education and her unexpected pregnancy.
Vartolomei's portrayal of Anne is powerful; she embodies the struggles of young women forced to confront harsh realities. Notably, this film, which has earned the prestigious Lion d'or award at the Mostra de Venise, does not shy away from the brutality of illegal abortions. Audrey Diwan's direction captures the visceral emotions Anne experiences as she desperately navigates the taboo surrounding her condition.
Anne’s experience is marked by paranoia and fear as she seeks help, only to find medical professionals unwilling or unable to provide it. Doctors fret over potential imprisonment, leaving Anne to fend for herself, both physically and emotionally. "The pain is felt in every shot, every part of the body of the heroine filmed up close. It is, nevertheless, praised as powerful storytelling," critiques noted after the film's premiere.
The societal response to Anne's pregnancy is telling; her friends distance themselves from her plight. When she reveals her pregnancy to her companions, their lack of support stings, signaling broader societal sentiments where the burden of unplanned pregnancy falls solely on women. One friend famously retorts, "It doesn’t concern us. You do what you want, Anne. But this is not our business." This encapsulation of isolation highlights the struggles women faced, leaving them to bear heavy consequences without communal empathy or assistive resources.
Diwan's directorial approach is immersive, throwing audiences deeply within Anne's world through her measured and intimate cinematography. Audiences experience her fear, desperation, and solitude as she maneuvers through her illegal abortion attempt, compounded by the physicality of her experiences—“knitting needles and selling her books to gather 400 francs” for the procedure showcase the resourcefulness Anne is forced to muster amid oppressive circumstances.
This film also marks significant milestones for Vartolomei, whose first brush with acting occurred at the tender age of 10, acting alongside Isabelle Huppert. After various roles, it is her portrayal of Anne—reflecting the somber legacy of Annie Ernaux’s autobiographical writings—thatance released her vivid performance and earned her the César for best female hope during 2022. Reflecting on these accomplishments, Vartolomei noted how the film opened doors for her career, "Bong Joon-ho was president of the jury at the Mostra. He saw me in the film and wanted to work with me."
The conversation around women's rights today echoes within the narrative of L'Événement. Amidst growing debates surrounding reproductive health, this film serves as both a poignant lesson and timely reminder of the struggles echoing from the past as modern-day discussions continue to shape policy and opinion. “The event is a tribute to freedom. Being free. Free to dispose of her body. Free to live the life as she sees fit. Free to be a woman,” emphasized one review, spotlighting the film's exploration of autonomy.
Audiences can watch L'Événement on Arte, where it is set to be broadcasted on March 6, 2025, at 21:00. This critically acclaimed film is not only entertainment but also serves as a historical account woven through the personal narrative of Anne—a tale steeped in the struggle for rights and recognition. It stands as a compelling reminder of women's histories and the importance of safeguarding these freedoms as society progresses.