4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

by Brian Zitzelman

For all of the well crafted films to have hit theaters in recent months, few if any are as engrossing as Cristian Mungiu's 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Often called, simply, the Romanian abortion film, the Romian picture is a powerful, deeply affecting journey that must be taken, even if its content might discourage the majority.

Set in 1980s Romania, a time when any and all forms of contraceptive were deemed illegal, Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) sets up an abortion for her pregnant roommate Gabriela (Laura Visiliu). Otilia's challenges include, time, money, lies and degradation, eventually leading to a hotel meeting with herself, Gabriela and a male doctor named Bebe, a chilling Vlad Ivanov.

Mungiu's work is quietly masterful. The plot points flow into one another naturally, as Otilia's struggle to aid Gabriela grows ever frightening. Merely focusing on the woman helping procure the abortion rather than that of the girl having it is an inspired maneuver. The psyche of Gabriela is scared but almost innocent, which Visiliu plays to perfection. Gabriela is suffering through the physical act, Otilia is dealing with everything else. Anamaria Marinca's performance is one of 4 Months many wonders. Painfully human and tragic, Marinca's acting could easily be thrown off as still and quiet, blank even. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. The hysteria crackles under the surface, as anxiousness looms into dread, knowing that each move she makes is changing her life forever.

Mungiu's use of long takes lifts the tension higher. Concern over every element of the day pours from the screen as each shot grows longer - the ticking clocks, flashing lights and passing automobiles become threatening. Oleg Mutu's cinematography forces the viewer to be a part of Otilia's illegal activities, which carries a devastating effect. It is genuinely remarkable filmmaking from start to finish, flawless even.