Directed by Laura Bispuri | 88 mins | 2015
This adaptation of Elvira Dones’s acclaimed novel fully mines the psychological dimensions of the “sworn virgin”—Albanian women who follow an obscure law whereby, upon taking a vow of virginity, they may escape imposed domestic life and live as a man. Mark, first born as Hana, finds that a life oriented around this pledge is no easy task, and abandons her home for Italy. Mark is played by Alba Rohrwacher in a performance of dazzling physicality, the actress’s every expression, every gesture, every reading geared towards an expression of living against societal expectations. Director Laura Bispuri ("My Brilliant Friend"), with the performances of Rohrwacher and Lars Eidinger (Everyone Else, Personal Shopper) enliven the material’s secrets and sensuality. One comes from the film feeling as though they’ve lived, even briefly, its protagonist’s complicated life, and are only richer for it.