Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist, recommends Mustang (2015, PG-13), co-written and directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven.
Mustang is a Turkish-language drama film that follows the story of five young, orphaned sisters living in a rural village in Turkey. After being seen having innocent fun playing with a group of boys on a beach, the girls are subjected to harsh restrictions by their guardians, who fear potential scandals. As the sisters face increasing oppression, their dreams of independence clash with the strict societal norms imposed upon them.
The film explores themes of female empowerment, social restraints, and the resilience of sisterhood.
Mustang has received critical acclaim, including a Golden Globes nomination for best foreign language motion picture, for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances.
In her feature-length directorial debut, Ergüven delves into a nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by the five sisters within the restrictive confines of their conservative environment. The movie provides insight into the intricacies of their evolving relationships and the emotional toll of their struggle for autonomy. Ergüven utilizes dreamy, pastel colors throughout the film to portray the intimate humanity of the girls in contrast with the cruel constraints forced upon their lives. The gradual erosion of the sisters’ individual freedoms, triggered by societal expectations, is depicted with a heartfelt sensitivity that adds layers to their characters.
One of the film’s many strengths lie in its ability to balance moments of quiet introspection with intense bursts of emotion.
From the sisters’ spirited attempts to defy norms to the heartbreaking consequences they face, each scene contributes to a powerful narrative.
The title of the film serves as a potent metaphor for the sisters’ untamed spirits and their yearning for freedom. The performances of the cast—especially the actresses portraying the sisters—heavily contribute to the film’s impact. The authenticity and chemistry among the characters works to heighten the emotional resonance of their collective journey. Mustang tells a compelling and thought-provoking story while shedding light on the universal struggles faced by women living in our patriarchal society.
