Bihter (2023)

I’ve recently had a chance to watch the movie Bihter (2023), a period drama written by Merve Göntem and directed by Mehmet Binay, and Caner Alper which is an adaptation of a book called “Aşk-ı Memnu”. I want to talk about this movie further. But only about this movie, not the book or the earlier adaptation of the book. I warn you; this article is full of spoilers.

First, I had a great enthusiasm for the movie, I must confess. Especially for the ending which is definitely unexpected and untraditional. But the movie disappointed me.

The storyline centers on Bihter, a young woman eager to escape her home. Adnan, an elderly and wealthy acquaintance, proposes to Bihter, presenting it as an opportunity for her freedom. Viewing it as an opportunity, she accepts and becomes part of Adnan's household, where she encounters his children, Nihal and Bülent, along with Behlül, who resides with them. Initially content with Adnan, over the course of a year, Bihter becomes disillusioned. Adnan fails to meet her expectations, often making decisions without consulting her. After a year of marriage, Adnan invites Bihter's mother, Firdevs, to stay at their home. Unhappy with this incident and her marriage, Bihter begins contemplating an escape. This leads her to engage in an affair with Behlül. Upon learning of the situation, Firdevs devises a plan to salvage the marriage by proposing that Nihal marry Behlül, hoping Bihter would abandon the affair. Adnan, Nihal, and Behlül agree to this idea, initiating wedding preparations that further infuriate Bihter. In her anger, Bihter decides to confront Behlül for the last time. However, he evades her, prompting her to grab a gun. Instead of following the original ending, where she contemplates suicide, Bihter refrains from shooting herself. Holding the gun, she leaves the scene alive.

I’ve actually expected a feminist Bihter, not like an activist type but more like a Virginia Woolf or Kate Chopin character’s type, feminist ideas, and a character due to the trailer. I love how the movie centers on Bihter and also I love how stubborn and strongheaded she is but other than that there is not much. Except for the end, she is mostly portrayed as a crazy lady, just a woman who is in love with her nephew. And it isn’t a type of “female rage.” Although the affair she has is a one-person relationship, only with herself, this relationship is not about her and is rather pointless. She can’t handle her own destiny, again, except for the finale. We could have seen her affair as a part of her, part of her journey, and more Bihter-involved. As a reproduction of an old book, they could add so much more character development. Especially a movie called “Bihter” could make us see a stronger and newer Bihter. I believe we have watched an empty affair and a desperate woman who cannot change anything or try to change.

The violation of her own body by her husband and the scenes which includes sexual intercourse with Behlül, and others are quite admirable. The way they portrayed those are simply bold and I really enjoyed the improvement of the Turkish cinema at that point. The book which is only shown two seconds, “Madame Bovary” is a great foreshadowing of what happens to their marriage. The breaking of the fourth wall throughout the movie is also another good layer about the movie but it is interesting that even though Bihter has talked to us directly, we simply couldn't understand her and get to know her the way that was intended. Also, there is no depth in other characters.

The end is thrilling and maybe in the future if we see Bihter II, it can involve a more feminist perspective. Throughout the cinematic of the movie and these innovations, I cannot say it is a total failure. I think it is upper intermediate.