Review
Pieces of a Woman (Drama) (2020)
Director: Kornél Mundruczó
Writer: Kata Wéber
Stars: Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf, Molly Parker, Ellen Burstyn
Living in Boston, soon to be parents Martha (Vanessa Kirby) and Sean (Shia LaBeouf) have employed a midwife so Martha can give birth to their first child at home; something goes horribly wrong, leaving midwife Eva (Molly Parker) to be sued by the government.
Spanning over a year’s time ‘’Pieces of a Woman’’ is a theatrical showing of a fracturing household after traumatic events. It’s a mournful tale by Hungarian director Kornél Mundruczó as his
first English-language feature film.
Opening with a most striking showing of Kirby’s character Martha giving birth, I’ve certainly never seen this in a feature film, a detailed half-hour-long birthing sequence, imagine seeing ‘’Pieces of a Woman’’ in a fully booked cinema. Childbirth is a miracle of life but seeing it on the silver screen is definitely something you need to be prepared for. As we advance; however, you realise this scene works excellently in setting up the remaining hour and a half. With the tone set and Mundruczó’s tenacity for tackling complex subjects, the film treats its script with procedural symbolism and deeper meanings, yet again exuding confidence in both storytelling and cinematography.
Taking its time running at a little more than two hours, ‘’Pieces of a Woman’’ effectively travels from scene to scene and season to season with the city of Boston as its backdrop. While the supporting instrumental piano soundtrack might not be the most exciting ever, it’s a subtle and nuanced sound clasping the emotional impressions precisely as it should.
If there’s anything the movie wouldn’t have been the same without, it’s the outstanding performances by Vanessa Kirby, Shia LaBeouf and several others. The effort they managed to put into their roles shows conveying a substantial amount of passion into the project.
Rounded, natural and emotional character arc’s make the movie breath in a seemingly inherent cadence.
Verdict
A traumatic event can break anyone up into pieces, but this film shows us that even those now diverging pieces can create a stunning whole.
9,4
