According to Her

According to Her is a deeply evocative and engrossing movie that masterfully captures the modern struggles of a woman trying to balance her personal ambitions, challenges of motherhood, and cultural identity. Released in 2016 and directed by Estelle Artus, the movie stars the talented Irina Abraham in the lead role, supported by equally compelling performances from Pascal Yen-Pfister and Eloise Eonnet.

The movie unfolds in the bustling landscape of New York City and traces the journey of a Russian immigrant, Veronica (played by Irina Abraham), who is catapulted into an unfamiliar world. Veronica is a renowned classical pianist who has abandoned her successful career in Russia to follow her French husband, whom she loves dearly, to New York. The husband, an obstetrician by profession, is portrayed by Pascal Yen-Pfister with a pragmatic and sometimes, oblivious demeanor that adds layers to their complicated relationship.

Eloise Eonnet has an important role in the movie, playing the twin sister of the husband, adding extra tortuous dynamics to the already challenging equation that Veronica grapples with day after day. The unwelcoming attitude of her sister-in-law and an emotionally distant husband leave Veronica feeling estranged, and the effort of raising her newborn in this isolating setting further deepens her emotional turmoil.

The movie’s main theme revolves around how Veronica, feeling suffocated in the strict societal rings of the superficial New York elite, seeks to establish her personal identity. The movie doesn't shy away from presenting the stark reality of being an immigrant in a place that fails to appreciate her raw talent and constantly forces her to modify her behavior to fit in.

Expressed with an intense, raw passion, Abraham's portrayal of Veronica presents the struggle of a woman who is striving to navigate her life and find her footing in a world that seems alien and indifferent to her. The movie, with its intense focus on Veronica's inner world, provides a profound dive into her psyche and reveals the layers of her character as she questions her decisions, wrestles with her aspirations, and ultimately tries to acquiesce to her new life.

The director, Estelle Artus, puts on a masterpiece presentation of human insecurities, the thorny path to acceptance, and an ongoing fight between one's innate talent and overwhelming societal pressure. Artus perfectly captures the nuances of high society, the haunting questions of a solitary soul, and the hardship of motherhood when devoid of a necessary support system.

One of the key aspects that make According to Her a masterpiece is its resonant soundtrack—the captivating piano pieces that form an integral part of the storyline. The music, apart from its usual role of setting the emotional tone, also acts as a translation of Veronica's submerged passion and longing for her lost identity. It has a life of its own and often renders the viewers with a raw and intense portrayal of Veronica's emotions.

Alongside, the film is imbued with a rich aesthetic appeal, employing visually arresting shots of New York City contributing to the movie’s overall ambiance. The cinematography brings out the harshness, isolation, and at times, the surreal beauty of the world which Veronica navigates with a resilient heart and determined spirit.

According to Her is not just a movie; it's a contemplative experience that encourages viewers to partake in a woman's journey fraught with challenges. It's about love and sacrifice, disillusionment and determination, loneliness and resilience. With a commanding emotional depth and restrained storytelling, the film leaves an unforgettable impression, encouraging its audience to reflect and sympathize with everyday struggles that so many immigrant women face when adapting to new cultures and environments. This film serves as a stark reminder of how complex, convoluted, and beautiful the human condition can be.

All in all, the movie is a complex yet beautiful tapestry of emotion and resilience, depicting an intimately haunting journey of acceptance and self-discovery. It surely is a must-watch for the lovers of art-house films, evocative narratives, and outstanding performances.