Film reviews contd.
during the birth. I believe this was probably a bid to prevent tearing; however, the evidence on whether or not ‘guarding the perineum’ is of benefit is still not clear. Overall, however, I really enjoyed this film. I love the format and the positive focus on birth, which can and should absolutely be an empowering process. The film reiterates the overwhelming joy that a baby brings to a family, prompts viewers to consider many useful aspects for their birth plan and includes some incredibly cute babies! I think it’s a positive resource to encourage those in the antenatal period to consider aspects for their birth plan, reiterating the incredible process of birth along the way.
Film Review
Pieces of a Woman Director: Kornél Mundruczó Writer: Kata Wéber
by Megan Disley
Biography: Hi, a little about me! My name is Rachel and I’m an AIMS Volunteer who decided to pursue a pretty drastic career change last year to become a midwife. I’m now nearing the end of my first year of training in South Yorkshire and am absolutely loving it. I’m always keen to review resources aimed at pregnant women/people and their families and was really pleased to watch Birth in the 21st Century.
SPOILER ALERT: This review describes the plot of the film in some detail.
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AIMS JOURNAL, Vol 33 No 2, 2021
Birth featured on film can often be depicted in an unrealistic way, or cause controversy. Pieces of a Woman, directed by Kornél Mundruczó, has certainly sparked a great deal of conversation – and even uproar – within the birthing community. The film depicts a deeply personal story of a new mother’s home birth which ends in unfathomable tragedy. Martha (Vanessa Kirby) begins a year-long odyssey of mourning which fractures relationships with loved ones whilst she learns how to live alongside her loss. I know when the film was first suggested to me with a brief synopsis I immediately had my reservations given the topic, and for a while I didn’t wish to watch it at all. I wondered how it could possibly be anything but scaremongering and how it could possibly help to change common misconceptions around home birth, particularly as it is set in an American city where the role of the midwife is still largely misunderstood and a more medical model of care
www.aims.org.uk
