Mustang

Five young Sisters live close to the coast of the Black Sea in Turkey. In what seems like an endless summer, their lives are shown thru the judgemental, negative filter of sexuality and the cultural demands of what is acceptable behaviour. Mustang’s Director, Deniz Gamze Ergüven has a deft way of showing the banality of strict rules in a tightly run household where the adults’ only redeeming quality is that they truly think they are acting in the best interests of innocent young women. In an early scene, the playful act of girls sitting on boys shoulders splashing harmlessly in the water resulted in verbal scolding and physical punishment. Although the outrage that the girls showed in being accused of “rubbing themselves on boys necks” was the focus, I also saw fear motivating the actions of their well meaning Grandmother to protect them from village whispers, being smeared and worse, subjected to allegations that question their virginity rendering them unable to be married. A fate worst than death.

A lot is being said about the five young women who play the Sisters who’s bond tightens during what can only be described as finishing school under house arrest. Deservedly so. But included in the ensemble cast are the adult performances, representing the banality of tradition that is applied myopically and by any means necessary.

From the watchful eyes of others who are constantly on the lookout for shameful behaviour to the menacing presence of an Uncle who has more to be ashamed of than anyone he controls for their own good, it’s a well paced story about a multi-generational family evolving in quiet turmoil.

Ergüven is skilled at building tension and uses closeup shots to emphasize both how young and determined the Sister’s are as they deal with being restricted, each in their own tragic and triumphant way. I don’t want to give any spoilers for this film, only to say that there was one surprising act that caught me off guard, and that I did not anticipate the (satisfying) ending.

As I’m writing this I am recalling several scenes that I am remembering with admiration for the advantage female directors have for steady storytelling that builds character at just the right pace, without choppy editing or overstating the obvious. This is what a ChickFlick should be. The Director and cast of Mustang at the Ryerson Theatre screening on 10 Sept 2015 were present. It was great to see them all to hear their personal stories about making this film

Mustang reminds me of Girlhood, a fave from last year’s TIFF. It’s a complex story with the right talent delivering exactly what it needs to.