Waves Turn is a documentary that offers a refreshing and honest perspective on the reality of new motherhood, challenging the romanticized notion of perpetual bliss. Through intimate footage and personal narratives, it delves into the complex emotions and experiences of five women during their first year of motherhood.
The film's director, Josephine Ahnelt, employs a unique 16mm camera style, capturing the raw and vulnerable moments of these women with an almost home-video intimacy. By focusing on the details, such as a mother meticulously trimming her baby's fingernails, Ahnelt invites viewers to appreciate the small yet significant aspects of motherhood.
One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the diverse range of experiences shared by the women. While some express the overwhelming love and joy that comes with having a baby, others reveal the challenges they faced. One mother describes the gradual development of her feelings of love, contradicting the common expectation of an immediate, all-encompassing bond. Another speaks openly about the judgment she faced for choosing to bottle-feed her baby, highlighting the societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding.
The film also showcases the mundane and the extraordinary in motherhood. It captures the mundane tasks, like soothing a baby to sleep or massaging their tiny thighs, as well as the emotional exhaustion that can come with the role. The comparison to soldiers returning from war is particularly poignant, emphasizing the physical and mental toll that motherhood can take.
Waves Turn is a powerful reminder that motherhood is a multifaceted journey. It challenges the idea that all mothers experience a uniform state of bliss, instead presenting a nuanced and authentic portrayal of the joys, struggles, and everything in between. Through its raw and intimate approach, the documentary encourages viewers to embrace the complexities of new motherhood and to find beauty in the little moments that make it all worthwhile.
