Happening

In 1963 France, a bright university student named Anne finds herself navigating the challenging landscape of social scrutiny and personal turmoil in Angoulême. While she is surrounded by a close group of friends, Anne often faces ridicule from her peers, who unfairly label her as promiscuous, despite the fact that they all seem to chase after the same desires.

During a visit to her family in the countryside, Anne seeks medical advice from her doctor, but she’s blindsided when he reveals that she is pregnant—something she adamantly insists isn’t true. In a state of desperation, she pleads with the doctor to help her terminate the pregnancy, only to be met with a firm refusal on ethical and legal grounds. Feeling trapped, she turns to another doctor in the city, who offers her an injection under the guise of helping her miscarry. Unbeknownst to Anne, the injection is merely estradiol, which actually sustains her pregnancy.

In her search for support, Anne reaches out to her classmate, Jean. To her dismay, he not only fails to assist her but also makes a crude proposition, suggesting that her pregnancy poses no risk for engaging in sexual relations. As the weight of her circumstances crushes her spirit, Anne takes a drastic and dangerous step—trying to abort the pregnancy herself using a knitting needle. This troubling act proves unsuccessful, leading to further isolation when she confesses her situation to her friends, who previously expressed a desire for intimacy but now abandon her in her time of need.

As her academic performance plummets and the prospect of graduating with honors slips away, Anne turns to Maxime, her boyfriend. After informing him about her abortion plans, he reacts with disbelief, believing she has controlled the situation. A fierce argument ensues, leaving Anne without support as she returns to her academic life.

One night, Jean introduces Anne to a female acquaintance who has experience with abortion. This friend provides Anne with the contact of a doctor and lays out the harsh realities: the procedure will be painful and costs 400 francs upfront. With little choice left, Anne sells off her personal belongings to gather the funds. The abortion takes place in a woman’s apartment, where strict instructions are given to keep quiet to avoid alarming neighbors.

After the initial procedure fails to induce a miscarriage, Anne is forced to return to the abortionist, who inserts a second wand, warning her of potential complications. Resolute, Anne continues with the process, only to endure a complex and agonizing miscarriage back at her dorm. A concerned dorm mate finds her in distress and calls for help, but Anne’s situation is ultimately recorded as a miscarriage.

The film closes with Anne mustering the strength to return to university, determined to complete her final exams, signaling both an end and a new beginning in her tumultuous journey through womanhood and personal choice.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:02