The Waves Turn review reveals a raw, intimate documentary that shatters the idealized image of new motherhood. Directed by Josephine Ahnelt, this Austrian film follows five women through their first year with a baby, capturing exhaustion, joy, boredom, and wonder in equal measure.
Breaking the Madonna Myth
Judith Rohrmoser's self-portrait, featured in the film, shows her breastfeeding with headphones on, eyes filled with a mix of grief and overwhelming change. This image directly challenges centuries of Renaissance art that depicted mothers as serene, blissful figures. The documentary instead presents a truthful, unvarnished look at the emotional rollercoaster of caring for a newborn.
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Intimate Filmmaking on 16mm
Ahnelt shoots on 16mm film, with the camera often up close, cutting off heads to focus on tiny details like a mother snipping her baby's fingernails. This home-video intimacy makes the viewer feel like a fly on the wall, witnessing the mundane yet profound moments of early parenthood.
What the Mothers Reveal
Through voiceover, the women share their unfiltered experiences. One admits she didn't feel the all-encompassing love she expected when her baby was placed on her chest—it grew gradually. Another discusses the judgmental comments she faced for bottle-feeding after struggling to breastfeed. A third confesses she didn't believe friends who said her relationship would change—now she knows.
Key Takeaways from the Documentary
- New motherhood is not a constant state of bliss; it's a mix of emotions.
- Breastfeeding challenges are common and should be met with support, not judgment.
- Partnerships inevitably change after a baby arrives.
- Small, loving gestures—like massaging chubby thighs—are the most touching moments.
- The film uses 16mm to create an intimate, home-video aesthetic.
Comparison: Traditional Portrayal vs. Waves Turn
| Aspect | Traditional Madonna with Child | Waves Turn Documentary |
|---|---|---|
| Mother's expression | Serene, blissful | Exhausted, overwhelmed, sometimes joyful |
| Focus | Idealized beauty | Raw, unfiltered reality |
| Baby's role | Symbol of purity | Real, demanding, and adorable |
| Emotional range | Limited to love | Exhaustion, boredom, wonder, grief |
Why This Film Matters
Waves Turn is a gentle but truthful counterpoint to the pressure mothers face to feel only happiness. It validates the complex emotions that come with caring for a newborn, offering a sense of solidarity to viewers who have been through it or are about to.
FAQ
When is Waves Turn available to watch?
Waves Turn premieres on True Story from 21 August.
What is the film's style?
The documentary is shot on 16mm film with an intimate, home-video aesthetic, focusing on close-up details of daily life with a newborn.
Does the film address breastfeeding challenges?
Yes, one mother shares her struggle with breastfeeding and the judgment she faced when switching to bottle feeding, highlighting a common but often silenced experience.
Waves Turn is a must-watch for anyone seeking an honest portrayal of early motherhood. It reminds us that the reality is far more complex—and far more human—than any idealized painting.
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