Waves Turn is a documentary that offers a refreshing and honest perspective on the journey of new motherhood. It challenges the romanticized notion of motherhood as a perpetually blissful state, instead presenting a raw and multifaceted portrayal of the experiences of five women. The film, directed by Josephine Ahnelt, captures the intimate moments of these women in their most vulnerable state, providing a unique and personal insight into the realities of new motherhood.
One of the most striking aspects of Waves Turn is its departure from traditional representations of motherhood. Instead of the serene and idealized images often associated with the Madonna with child, the film presents a more nuanced and realistic depiction. Judith Rohrmoser's self-portrait of breastfeeding, for instance, is a powerful statement against the conventional image of the Madonna. Rohrmoser's painting, with its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the artist's emotions, challenges the notion that motherhood should be a state of perpetual serenity. The painting's title, 'Waves Turn', is a fitting metaphor for the tumultuous and ever-changing nature of new motherhood.
The documentary's use of 16mm film adds to its intimate and personal feel. The camera is up close and personal, filming with the intimacy of a home video, cutting off heads to focus on the details that matter most. This technique allows the audience to connect with the women on a deeper level, as if they are witnessing these moments in real-time. The voiceovers of the women add a layer of authenticity to the film, as they share their personal experiences and emotions in their own words.
One of the most compelling aspects of Waves Turn is its exploration of the diverse range of emotions that new mothers experience. The film challenges the notion that motherhood should be a universally joyful experience, instead presenting a more nuanced and realistic portrayal. The women share their experiences of exhaustion, joy, boredom, wonder, and a rush of other feelings, providing a refreshing and honest perspective on the journey of new motherhood. The film also highlights the judgmental comments and societal pressures that new mothers often face, such as the pressure to breastfeed and the criticism of bottle feeding.
The film's portrayal of the little things, such as the bouncing and jigging of a baby's thighs, is incredibly touching. These moments, done with love and care, showcase the intimate and personal nature of new motherhood. However, the film also captures the glazed-over look of a soldier after a week in the trenches, highlighting the exhaustion and stress that new mothers often experience. This contrast between the tender moments and the more challenging aspects of new motherhood adds depth and authenticity to the film.
In my opinion, Waves Turn is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that challenges the romanticized notion of motherhood. It provides a refreshing and honest perspective on the journey of new motherhood, presenting a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the experiences of new mothers. The film's use of personal stories and intimate moments allows the audience to connect with the women on a deeper level, providing a unique and personal insight into the realities of new motherhood. The film's title, 'Waves Turn', is a fitting metaphor for the ever-changing and tumultuous nature of new motherhood, and a reminder that the journey of motherhood is a complex and multifaceted one.
