‘Four Daughters’ Review – Redefining The Boundaries Of Artistic Expression With Excellence

In Four Daughters, directed by the Oscar-nominated Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the film seamlessly blurs the lines between reality and fiction, showcasing an artistry that leaves us awestruck. Within the feature, we’re granted access to the intimate world of Olfa and her four daughters, their lives carrying the weight of generational trauma. Nevertheless, this documentary is anything but conventional, fearlessly venturing into uncharted territories where the harsh realities of life converge with an innovative narrative approach.

Kaouther Ben Hania embodies an indomitable spirit, much like a relentless tempest sweeping us away, and as we immerse ourselves in this captivating journey, it becomes evident that we’re witnessing a phoenix rising from the ashes of convention. Four Daughters transcends the mere depiction of lives; it stands as a rallying cry to challenge the very bedrock of storytelling. It functions as a key, unlocking a door to a realm of profound artistic exploration, where the canvas of imagination stretches limitlessly, urging us to reshape the boundaries of our creative horizons.

Olfa Hamrouni, a middle-aged mother residing in Tunisia with her two younger daughters, Eya and Tayssir, is at the heart of this poignant tale. Her two elder daughters, Ghofrane and Rahma, departed the family home years ago, lured into the clutches of extremist groups in their hometown. The void left by their absence has been almost unbearable for Olfa and her younger children. There were no goodbyes, no promises of a reunion, just an abrupt absence that left the remaining family to grapple with guilt, anger, shame, and profound sadness. In response to this agonizing gap in their once-tight-knit family, director Kaouther Ben Hania envisions a world where Ghofrane and Rahma return home.

In a genuinely remarkable twist, accomplished actresses command the spotlight, with the renowned Egyptian-Tunisian artist, Hend Sabri, gracefully embodying the character of Olfa. As the story gracefully unfolds through these carefully orchestrated re-enactment sequences, we bear witness to the poignant reuniting of Olfa with her estranged daughters, providing a precious opportunity to mend the wounds of the past and untangle the intricacies of their interconnected family saga.

Within the delicate fabric of this documentary, Olfa threads the narrative of her life through intimate interviews, offering a poignant glimpse into her very essence. With unwavering courage, she willingly submerges herself in the reenactment scenes, laden with the burdens of anguish, bearing witness to moments of unspeakable pain, including the haunting shadows of sexual abuse and violence. Notably, this is where the art of method acting ascends to its pinnacle, extending an enchanting invitation to the audience. We find ourselves irresistibly drawn into the profound wellspring of emotions, much like a mighty, surging current, reaffirming the profound potency of storytelling to plumb the profound depths of the human experience.

Guided by the astute hand of the filmmaker, the family engages in these re-enactments to express their feelings towards Ghofrane and Rahma and confront the traumatic issues that have haunted them for years. In one poignant example, a male actor portraying Olfa’s partner, Wissem, finds himself overwhelmed during a scene depicting addiction and sexual abuse. The younger daughters, Eya and Tayssir, react with such intensity that the actor calls off the shoot, retreating to smoke a cigarette to ease the emotional toll of the scene. While Ghofrane and Rahma’s homecoming may be a product of imagination, the emotions their presence stirs are undeniably authentic. It is evident that this form of acting serves as therapy for Olfa, Eya, and Tayssir, as they bravely confront their own traumatic past within the sanctuary of the film set. Behind the camera, composer Amine Bouhafa weaves a hauntingly beautiful tapestry of melancholy with his string compositions. Each note carries a sense of profound longing and heartbreak, adding another layer of depth to this cinematic symphony.

The enchantment of Kaouther Ben Hania’s Four Daughters lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate performance art within a documentary without ever feeling contrived. It remains steadfast in its mission to unearth inner truths. While Olfa may never truly reunite with her two absent daughters, if this film offers even the smallest measure of solace in the face of this heart-wrenching reality, then it has unquestionably fulfilled its purpose.

Four Daughters unfurls as a rich mosaic, each piece a heartfelt sonnet crafted by the human spirit. It embarks on a poetic odyssey, navigating the intricate labyrinth of family bonds, akin to a seasoned explorer navigating the uncharted cosmos of love and connection. This cinematic gem stands as a marvel, much like an enigmatic riddle that questions the very essence of storytelling itself, inviting us to explore the boundless horizons of artistic expression. Through the alchemical lens of Kaouther Ben Hania’s directorial mastery, we are offered a sublime revelation, lingering in the corridors of our souls like an eternal melody, resonating long after the final curtain descends. It stands as an eloquent testament, a poetic muse, to the profound healing power of art, transcending the limitations of time and space and extending a gentle touch to the deepest recesses of our shared humanity.

Four Daughters is currently playing in select theaters in NY and LA courtesy of Kino Lorber with a national expansion in the coming weeks.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sTl3F_qxTM]