"...an extraordinary exploration of the nuances of tradition and modernity, femininity and the relationships we form with nature"
Set in rural Georgia, the film follows the tenacious 48 year old Etero (Eka Chavelishvilli) as she navigates her first love in what is essentially a coming of age story for the middle-aged. Etero lives humbly and contentedly in a pastoral village, running a local beauty supply store and dreaming of a quiet retirement where she can make blackberry jam and eat mille-feuille in peace and solitude. Yet a near death experience whilst picking blackberries triggers an existential and sexual awakening in Etero. What follows is an extraordinary exploration of the nuances of tradition and modernity, femininity and the relationships we form with nature.
Elene Naveriani (director) and Agnesh Pakozdi (cinematographer) subtly interweave layers of meaning and beauty in the way they masterfully follow the action, often focusing on the quiet, seemingly mundane b-roll of the provincial village and town. Each shot is perfectly framed and balanced with little movement, allowing the audience to engage with the peripheral action: a dog walking past the shop, people getting off the bus - taking time to appreciate the simplicity of Georgian life, almost Wes Anderson-esque with notably less pastel. Naveriani’s outstanding use of colour is evident in every shot, immersing the audience in deep, moody hues of the primary colours - a choice, which on the surface reflects the somewhat simple life of Etero, while the depth of colour resonates with the underlying emotional depth to our protagonist; she is more than the spinster she is viewed as by the chorus of her local critics. Naveriani immerses her audience in the landscape of rural Georgia not only through her stunning visuals of the rich terrains, but the sonic landscape too.
Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry often feels at times a quiet and thoughtful film, yet we are never in complete silence. Phillpe Ciompi (sound editing and design) creates a rich tapestry of sound using almost solely the sounds of nature for the first third of the film; think birdsong, rain, the tempestuous river - all engineered perfectly in place of music. We are unknowingly enveloped into the world of Etero, coexisting peacefully with nature, yet, as she falls in love, music is brought into her life for the first time, sonically highlighting the change taking place in her world.
Although Etero’s newfound love is transformational, you would be wrong to think that she finds happiness in its bliss. Her companionship allows for a journey of self-exploration, and there is a quiet joy in Etero’s sudden sensuality. Yet, she is faced with a dilemma: to pursue love or revel in her independence. The subtlety of this film is paramount to its impact, much is left to be inferred, and, although thought-provoking, I would have liked to have seen slightly more intricate character development and focus on queerness, which to me feels a little ‘tacked on’ at the end.
Chavelishvilli commands Etero with sensitivity and wit, an incredibly strong central performance that captivates the screen with her presence. Her facial expressions and piercing eyes are fundamental to the emotional depth of the film, conveying such wonder, sadness and love.
Etero’s intertwined relationship of herself with nature truly reflects a person in love with life, perhaps reminding us all to sometimes stop and pick the blackberries.
About the Reviewer
Kirsty Meers
Kirsty Meers is a young creative who loves film, fashion, music and literature. Her passion lies in independent film, and when she’s not in the cinema you can find her playing sudoku or with her head in a book.
