Waves Turn Review: New Motherhood's Exhausting, Joyful Realities 2026

Waves Turn review: This Austrian documentary offers a raw and intimate look at new motherhood, capturing the exhaustion, joy, boredom, and wonder that come with a newborn. Director Josephine Ahnelt uses 16mm film to bring viewers close to five women's experiences, challenging the idealized portrayals we've seen for centuries.

The Documentary's Unflinching Approach

Unlike traditional depictions of motherhood, Waves Turn does not shy away from the messy, overwhelming reality. The film opens with artist Judith Rohrmoser's self-portrait of breastfeeding, where she wears headphones and stares directly at the camera—a stark contrast to the serene Madonna imagery. This sets the tone for a documentary that values truth over sentimentality.

Director Josephine Ahnelt films in 16mm, creating a home-video intimacy that feels both personal and universal. The camera often cuts off heads to focus on small, telling details: a mother snipping her baby's tiny fingernails, the rhythmic bouncing of a fussy infant, or the glazed-over look of a soldier after a week in the trenches. These moments are captured with love and honesty.

Five Women, Five Stories

The film follows five women during their first year of motherhood, each sharing her unique journey through voiceover. One mother admits she didn't feel the all-encompassing love she expected when her baby was placed on her chest; instead, it grew gradually. Another discusses the judgmental comments she receives for bottle-feeding after struggling to breastfeed. A third woman confesses she didn't believe friends who said her relationship would change—now she knows.

These narratives are woven together with gentle pacing, allowing the audience to sit with the discomfort and beauty of each experience. The film's title, Waves Turn, suggests the ebb and flow of emotions—exhaustion, joy, boredom, wonder—that define early motherhood.

Visual Storytelling and Emotional Depth

Ahnelt's use of 16mm film adds a tactile quality to the visuals, making every frame feel like a cherished memory. The close-up shots of chubby baby thighs being massaged or the soft flutter of eyelashes during a feeding are both tender and grounding. The film's intimacy is its greatest strength, drawing viewers into the private world of these mothers without feeling intrusive.

One of the most touching sequences involves a mother jiggling her baby to sleep, her face a mix of exhaustion and determination. Another shows a mother's quiet moment of reflection, her eyes filled with a roar of grief or an overwhelming sense that everything has changed. These are the realities that Waves Turn captures with unflinching honesty.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Realistic Motherhood

To highlight the film's significance, consider how motherhood has been portrayed in art and media versus what Waves Turn presents:

This table underscores how Waves Turn breaks from the Madonna myth, offering a more authentic and relatable depiction.

Key Takeaways from Waves Turn

• Authenticity over idealization: The film prioritizes real experiences over romanticized notions.
• Intimate cinematography: 16mm footage creates a personal, home-video feel.
• Diverse perspectives: Five women share different journeys, highlighting the spectrum of motherhood.
• Emotional honesty: The film doesn't shy away from difficult feelings like grief, boredom, and doubt.
• Small moments matter: The film finds beauty in everyday actions like nail clipping and baby massages.

Why You Should Watch

Waves Turn is a must-watch for anyone who has experienced motherhood or knows someone who has. It validates the complex emotions that often go unspoken, offering a sense of solidarity to new parents. The film also serves as a powerful counterpoint to the unrealistic standards set by social media and traditional art.

Available on True Story from 21 August, this documentary is a gentle but truthful reminder that motherhood is not a state of perpetual bliss—it's a journey filled with contradictions. Whether you're a new parent or simply appreciate honest storytelling, Waves Turn will leave you moved and enlightened.

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