Based on a true story, Hive tells of the tragedy of the aftermath of the war in Kosovo in the late 1990s. Specifically it focuses on its impact on the village of Krusha e Madhe. The film follows one woman, Fahrije Hoti (Yllka Gashi). Her husband disappeared seven years earlier, leaving behind not only her, but their young children. She and the other women of the village who face similar upheaval form a collective to try to make ends meet. But in this male-dominated society women seeking to forge their own path are denounced.
Fahrije also cares for her elderly father-in-law Huxhi (Cun Lajci) and that includes helping to bathe him. The women’s collective encourages its members adapt, which includes getting a driver’s license. Fahrije is having major financial difficulties. Money has all but dried up. She’s a beekeeper, taking over that pursuit from her husband. But that doesn’t pay the way. So she decides to try her hand at making a red pepper sauce known as ajvar in commercial quantities and selling the product through a supermarket. The backlash is immediate and nasty.
Even Fahrije’s daughter and father-in-law at first reject her efforts. But momentum gradually swings and more women get involved in the peeling and cooking that is required to create the sauce. All the while Fahrije continues her search for her missing husband. And, I should add, there are many other women like Fahrije who feel that the government hasn’t done enough to locate their missing loved ones.
The more Hive develops the more I gained an understanding of what was going on. It’s hardly a pretty picture. It took a while to cotton on, although I realised from the outset that something is amiss. Just how bad and how shocking it is though isn’t clear until some time into the film. In other words, Hive is a slow burn. But it has much more clout because it’s underpinned by truth, even though some scenes have been added for heightened dramatic impact.
Yllka Gashi is totally believable in the lead. Gashi is the glue that binds the picture together. The supporting cast, including Cun Lajci as father-in-law Huxhi, are credible too. The austere surroundings add weight to the situation that confronts Fahrije and her loved ones.
The film makes a point of highlighting the impact the patriarchy is having on Fahrije. I found that particularly hard to take. Hive is an impressive and disturbing work from first time feature film writer and director Blerta Basholli.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- The Divine Order – movie review
- There’s Still Tomorrow – movie review
- 1945 and Pop Aye – movie reviews
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
