Women's bonds, particularly within families, are shaped by common experiences. The connection of sisterhood is deeply rooted in the collective understanding of life as women under shared patriarchal pressures. Kaouther Ben Hania’s "Four Daughters" highlights both the unity and divisions within these bonds. The film underscores how upbringing within a female-centric household can profoundly impact maturation, and familial ties can sometimes diverge from the influences of religious or political beliefs.
Olfa Hamrouni is a mother of four daughters: Eya, Tayssir, Ghofrane, and Rahma. But years ago, Ghofrane and Rahma left, radicalized to join ISIS. The remaining family members navigate their memories of a time before this division, reflecting on intersections of gender and culture. Their stories explore the innate desire among women to wield power.
For the documentary, actresses Ichraq Matar and Nour Karoui portray the absent Ghofrane and Rahma. These actresses reenact cherished moments, filling the void left by the sisters. Their inclusion effectively captures the emotional intensity of past shared experiences. As they recreate past moments, from intimate chats to casual sisterly acts, the authenticity shines, yet it raises questions about the emotional toll on the actresses.
Actress Hend Sabry plays Olfa during painful recollections. Often, Olfa is seen nearby during these sequences, guiding the portrayal. The film strives to empower its subjects, letting them control their narratives. Sabry actively engages, questioning Olfa's past decisions, challenging societal norms. The boundaries of these engagements blur the lines between personal introspection and judgment. In a notable sequence, actor Majd Mastoura, who represents various male figures, becomes overwhelmed, prompting a debate about the actors' responsibilities.
"Four Daughters" relies heavily on these meta-reenactments, but they are subjective, casting doubts on the authenticity of the re-told events. The blending of traditional documentary methods with these sequences forms the backbone of the film. Despite potential questions of fairness in its approach, Ben Hania’s adeptness at melding emotion with analysis shines, making "Four Daughters" a compelling narrative.
The film predominantly focuses on Olfa, Eya, and Tayssir, capturing a myriad of emotions. Actors assert they've been trained to avoid absorbing the traumas of their roles, but emotional exchanges with the family are evident. For the sisters, the film becomes a therapeutic process, allowing them to vocalize feelings, revisit past moments, and articulate sentiments once silenced. "Four Daughters" delves deep into themes of alienation, introspection, and healing.
No one is painted as the antagonist. Instead, the film offers a comprehensive portrayal of each woman, revealing how various forces drove them to different paths. From Olfa's traditional stance to the radical choices of Rahma and Gohfrane and the modern views of Tayssir and Eya, the documentary captures a spectrum of perspectives. "Four Daughters" transcends a simple family narrative, evolving into a profound exploration of women's roles and the challenges they face.
