“Gülizar”

“Gülizar” is a powerful exploration of trauma, societal expectations, and the quiet struggle to reclaim one’s life after an unthinkable event. Writer / director Belkis Bayrak lends a sensitive touch to her gripping story about not only the physical wounds of assault, but the more haunting (and equally painful) emotional impact that burdens the victims in the aftermath. This is a film that’s difficult to watch yet also relatable, making it one that’s worthy of important, in-depth discussion.

Gülizar (Ecem Uzun) is a young Turkish woman who dreams of a bright future with her loving fiancé, Emre (Bekir Behrem). Eager to make a fresh start in life, she and her mother hop the bus to Kosovo to start the marriage procedures and requirements that go along with an arranged marriage. During the trip, it’s discovered that her mother’s passport has expired and Gülizar will have to continue the journey alone. During a scheduled bus stop, the young woman is sexually assaulted by a stranger. Desperate to keep it a secret, Gülizar becomes a prisoner of her own traumatic experience.

The film handles its sensitive subject matter with great care, never showing the act itself but instead immersing the audience in the emotional aftermath. The choice to let us hear Gülizar’s breathless struggle rather than see a graphic assault proves incredibly effective, capturing the weight of trauma without sensationalizing it. Since the story takes place in a conservative Turkish society, secrecy around such topics is not only encouraged but expected, especially from a woman. This causes Gülizar to become trapped in silence and fearful of judgment from those closest to her. As the wedding approaches, her anxiety heightens to unbearable levels.

Uzun gives an impressive and effective performance, conveying the inner chaos, turmoil, and isolation that follows an assault. Behrem is equally terrific as Emre, portraying him as a beacon of empathy. Although this arranged marriage is part of their culture, Emre does his best to support his bride-to-be as she quietly wrestles with her demons. The fact that I found the character’s gentle and understanding nature to be unexpected only reinforces the oppressive cultural and social norms that guilt Gülizar into silence.

The film has a slow, deliberate pacing that compliments the emotional struggle. Each scene unravels the internal conflict of desperately trying to move forward while still being held back by the past. It’s a nuanced approach to the aftermath of trauma, and it’s deeply affecting.

Although it is not an easy watch, “Gülizar” offers a powerful, sensitive portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma and the paths we take to heal.

By: Louisa Moore