Greece’s Oscar submission,“Murderess,” dives deep into the psychological turmoil of an elderly midwife navigating a patriarchal society in early 20th-century Skiathos. Directed by Eva Nathena and adapted from Alexandros papadiamantis’ novella, the film explores the slow unraveling of hadoula (Karyofyllia Karabeti) as she grapples with societal pressures and her own haunting past.
The story opens with a haunting scene: a group of girls dancing in a circle, singing a song wishing for only boys to be born.This unsettling moment sets the tone for the film, underscored by a quote from Greek poet Odysseas Elytis: “The past always asserts itself in the present.” hadoula,the village midwife,is introduced as she traverses rocky terrain to deliver yet another baby. To the dismay of the mother and the room, the child is a girl—a recurring theme in a community obsessed with male heirs.
Set on the Aegean island of Skiathos, “Murderess” paints a bleak picture of a society steeped in archaic traditions. women resort to herbs and treatments prescribed by Hadoula to ensure they bear sons, but these efforts are futile. Boys are prized above all else, yet they remain conspicuously absent throughout the film. Meanwhile, Hadoula’s own life is marked by hardship: she has three daughters and two sons, the latter having left the village, while the former remain, one of them a spinster.
hadoula’s psychological descent is fueled by visions of her deceased mother (Maria Protoppapa), who appears as a silent, taunting figure. These visions intensify, intertwining with flashbacks of young Hadoula (Georgianna Dalara) being trained to take on the role of midwife. The pressure of her responsibilities and the haunting presence of her mother push Hadoula to a breaking point, leading to a series of increasingly dramatic events.
Despite its compelling premise, the film’s execution falters at times. Director Eva Nathena’s approach often feels muddled, with abrupt transitions between reality, dreams, and memories that disrupt the narrative flow. The supporting characters, such as an abusive husband and a blind priest, are reduced to stereotypes, simplifying the complex societal issues the film aims to address.
Though, “Murderess” shines in two key areas. Karyofyllia Karabeti delivers a powerful performance as Hadoula, capturing her character’s physical and emotional change with nuance. The rugged beauty of Skiathos, with its fog-covered stone villages, adds an atmospheric layer that enhances the film’s somber mood.
By the film’s end, a chiron appears to explain the historical and ongoing relevance of its themes, tying Hadoula’s story to a broader societal crisis. While this attempt to contextualize the narrative feels abrupt, it underscores the universal nature of the film’s exploration of gender and tradition. Despite its flaws, “Murderess” remains a thought-provoking piece, anchored by Karabeti’s compelling performance and the haunting backdrop of Skiathos.
What are some of the themes explored in “The Murderess” that are relevant to modern audiences?
Interview with Eva Nathena: The Vision Behind greece’s Oscar Submission, “The Murderess”
By Archyde News Editor
January 18, 2025
In the world of cinema, few stories resonate as profoundly as those that delve into the human psyche, exploring the delicate balance between morality and desperation. Greece’s Oscar submission, The Murderess, directed by Eva Nathena, is one such film. Based on the novel by Alexandros papadiamantis, the film tells the haunting tale of an elderly midwife navigating the suffocating constraints of a patriarchal society in early 20th-century Greece.
I sat down with Eva Nathena, the visionary director behind this critically acclaimed production, to discuss her artistic journey, the film’s deeper themes, and its international reception.
Archyde: Eva, thank you for joining us. The Murderess has been hailed as a masterpiece, both for its storytelling and its visual artistry. what drew you to this particular story?
Eva Nathena: thank you for having me. The story of The Murderess has always been close to my heart. Alexandros Papadiamantis’s novel is a timeless exploration of the human condition, notably the struggles of women in a society that often denies them agency. The protagonist, Frangoyannou, is a midwife who becomes complicit in infanticide, not out of malice, but as a twisted response to the systemic oppression she witnesses and endures. It’s a story that challenges us to question morality, societal structures, and the depths of human despair.
Archyde: the film has been praised for its psychological depth.How did you approach portraying Frangoyannou’s internal turmoil?
Eva Nathena: it was a delicate balance. Frangoyannou is not a villain; she is a product of her surroundings. To capture her psychological unraveling, we focused on subtlety—her expressions, her interactions with others, and the weight of her silence. The cinematography plays a crucial role here, using shadows and light to mirror her internal conflict. We also worked closely with the lead actress to ensure her performance conveyed both the strength of Frangoyannou’s character and the fragility of her psyche.
Archyde: The film is set in early 20th-century Greece, a time of deep patriarchal structures. How did you ensure the ancient accuracy while making the story relevant to modern audiences?
Eva Nathena: historical accuracy was essential, but the themes of The Murderess are universal. We worked meticulously on the costumes, settings, and dialogue to reflect the era, but the heart of the story—gender inequality, the burden of societal expectations, and the consequences of systemic oppression—remains strikingly relevant. I believe this is why the film has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Archyde: Greece’s film industry has been gaining international recognition in recent years.How does it feel to have The Murderess as Greece’s Oscar submission?
Eva Nathena: It’s an immense honor. Greek cinema has a rich history, but it’s often underrepresented on the global stage. The Murderess is a testament to the talent and creativity within our industry.Being selected as Greece’s submission is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of Greek storytelling as a whole.
Archyde: what do you hope audiences take away from The Murderess?
Eva Nathena: I hope it sparks conversation. This is not a story with easy answers. It’s a mirror held up to society, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, power, and human nature. Above all,I hope it inspires empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those who have been silenced by history.
The Murderess is now screening in select theaters worldwide and is available for streaming. For more updates on Eva Nathena’s work and Greece’s cinematic achievements, stay tuned to Archyde.
—
end of Interview
About Eva Nathena:
Eva Nathena is a Greek filmmaker known for her profound storytelling and visual artistry. Her latest work, The Murderess, has been critically acclaimed and is Greece’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars.
About Archyde:
Archyde is a leading news platform dedicated to delivering in-depth analyses, interviews, and stories that matter. From arts and culture to global affairs, we bring you the world’s most compelling narratives.
