March Around the World 2025 - Turkmenistan - 1/32

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I am glad to open the MAW challenge with the poignant entry from Turkmenistan (the first time cinematic visit for me). Late 40s', a year or two after the end of WWII, Ogulkeyk lives in the desert with Anna-Aga, her father-in-law, still expecting the return of her beloved husband (Murad), a war pilot. As time goes by, without the news about him, the concern for his life grows along with the pressure on Ogulkeyk to return to her family and remarry.

"The Daughter-in-Law" is a story about devotion and one lifetime love. The Narliyev brothers based their film on the childhood memories of an elderly shepherd living with his daughter-in-law, who refused to believe her husband died in the war.
Not without reason, Khodzha Kuli Narliyev mentions Shindō's "The Naked Island" as one of the inspirations for "The Daughter-in-Law". With very few spoken words, using remarkable cinematic techniques and warm chemistry between the actors, Narliyev creates a whole authentic world. Living far from the city, Ogulkeyk and Anna-Aga can rely only on each other and their camel to maintain the sheep flock in the desert. During non-working hours, Ogulkeyk dreams of her husband's return. Those sequences are filled with vibrant colors and a lyric score without diegetic sounds. Occasionally, they have rare guests; some discuss with Anna-Aga, Murad's fate or Ogulkeyk's future destiny. Although Ogulkeyk, as a woman in traditional society, is never present during men's discussions, Narliyev emphasizes her presence and feelings about the conversation through precise mise-en-scène. The film's pace masterfully varies according to the state of Ogulkeyk and Anna-Aga's work and her emotions.

If I previously mentioned the little dialogue the film has, Ogulkeyk hardly even speaks. Maya-Gozel Aimedova expresses Ogulkeyk's inner world with gazes and gestures.

Note: "The Daughter-in-Law" makes Turkmenistan mark the 157th country in my cinematic journey Around the World (one best film per country).