Elaha

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Elaha

2024

1h 50m

Drama

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100%

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7 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A naked young woman stands in front of a running washing machine. Flashback. 22-year-old Elaha is trying by all means to regain her supposed "innocence", which she lost through sex. A plastic surgeon is supposed to help her. But she cannot afford the money for the costly surgical procedure. In her efforts to find an alternative, she comes across a special product. But this supposed solution forces her into self-exploitation.

Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

This accomplished debut feature from Armenian-born director Milena Aboyan stands out, exploring the theme, and the knotty complexity of Elaha’s cultural identity, with sensitivity, brisk energy and a sure directorial hand.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 29, 2024

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

It is a drama which hits the buttons squarely and efficiently, but might perhaps have played better as a three-part TV drama.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 24, 2024

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Connor Lightbody

TAKE ONE Magazine

Aboyan’s directorial debut...pulls no punches in indicting antiquated practices and traditions around policing women’s sexuality

Rated: 4/5

Jul 4, 2024

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Even if the plot wobbles a bit, writer-director Milena Abovan is deliberately provoking the audience, skilfully depicting how helpless women can feel in a macho society.

Rated: 3.5/5

Apr 30, 2024

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Tom Beasley

The Popcorn Muncher (Substack)

It’s a film that never provides easy answers, exploring what it means to be a young woman with one foot in tradition and the other in modern freedoms. Well worth your time.

Apr 27, 2024

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Alexa Dalby

Dog and Wolf

Elaha has a real-life feel, almost like a dramatised documentary.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 26, 2024

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Jonas H

Wonderful movie, with extremely strong cinematography! In the beginning, the writing (especially the dialogue) seemed slightly off, but that changed in the first couple of minutes. One of the best movies I´ve seen this year.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/11/24

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Milena Aboyan

Director

Bayan Layla

Elaha

Hadnet Tesfai

Stella Zahaye

Derya Durmaz

Elaha's mother

Nazmi Kirik

Elaha's father

Slavko Popadic

Yusuf

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Synopsis

A naked young woman stands in front of a running washing machine. Flashback. 22-year-old Elaha is trying by all means to regain her supposed "innocence", which she lost through sex. A plastic surgeon is supposed to help her. But she cannot afford the money for the costly surgical procedure. In her efforts to find an alternative, she comes across a special product. But this supposed solution forces her into self-exploitation.

Director: Milena Aboyan
Producer: Matthias Greving
Screenwriter: Milena Aboyan, Milena Aboyan, Constantin Hatz
Production Co: Kinescope Film
Genre: Drama
Original Language: German
Runtime: 1h 50m