We all know that remaining unmarried when middle-aged doesn’t mean one is lacking, but even when we can acknowledge how dated this idea is, for women, there’s still the societal pressure, the loneliness, and the feeling of having missed an opportunity to have children. Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry is centered on one such middle-aged woman living in a small town in Georgia, and she has a fairly peaceful life… until she nearly dies and shortly forms an attraction to another man. Director and co-writer Elene Naveriani takes her time to delve deep into Etero’s story, the complicated grief she has towards the men that have raised her, as well as the spite towards the arbitrary goals other women have reached and made fun of her for. The journey does take a rather slow burn, but it’s wonderful to see a film so empathetic and nuanced about this dilemma, and free from the judgment many women have encountered on this topic.
"Naveriani is a natural filmmaker, and she’s gifted with a perfect lead performance for the material."
— David Jenkins
"The spellbinding sensibilities of “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” are a treat to behold."
— Robert Daniels
In a small traditional Georgian village, Etero, the owner of a housekeeping shop, is a forty-eight-year-old spinster. She cherishes her freedom, as much as her cakes, and is preparing for a peaceful and comfortable retirement away from gossip. But a fiery affair with her delivery man could derail all her plans.
Choosing to live alone in a small Georgian village, Etero Gelbakhiani, 48, is content in living an independent life, despite the small town gossip, until she unexpectedly falls in love with a married man.
Eka Chavleishvili is terrific. She has exactly the type of presence that makes Etero an inspiration to the younger women in the village, the kind that comes from the inner certainty of knowing and accepting exactly who she is.
Etero’s dinner monologue… Perfect.
Cannes
1 nomination
European Film Awards
1 nomination
