Johnson Thomas 

4 months, 3 weeks, 2 days

Direction: Christian Mungiu
Cast: Anamaria Marinca, Laura Vasiliu, Alex Potocean, Vlad Ivanov
Rating:*** ½

It’s the 1980’s, and abortion is illegal in Romania. Young Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) wants to abort her 4 month old foetus. She turns to her room mate Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) for help and support and gets it in full measure!

The film covers a wide spectrum of negativity and underhand play while following the two friends through their journey. Gabita is clueless throughout while Otilia chooses to take responsibility.

The contrast between the two is stark. The narrative focuses on the of the lives of the two protagonists and reveals the cruelty inherent in the political system. Mungiu’s dramatic narrative is ably aided by Oleg Mutu’s potent cinematography.

He uses mobile camerawork and static shots to convey the oppression inherent in that period. The camera levels an unblinking gaze at its subjects and the effect is shocking and the experience all the more enervating!