Happening (film)

Happening is a 2021 French drama film directed by Audrey Diwan, based on the 2000 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Annie Ernaux. The film stars Anamaria Vartolomei as Anne, a bright and ambitious university student in 1960s France who becomes pregnant and seeks an abortion at a time when it was illegal and heavily stigmatized.

The film follows Anne's desperate attempts to terminate her pregnancy, navigating social and legal obstacles while facing isolation and judgment. She confronts doctors who refuse to help, peers who offer dangerous and unreliable advice, and the looming threat of potential imprisonment.

Happening explores themes of female bodily autonomy, the challenges faced by women in pre-Roe v. Wade era, social stigma, and the importance of individual agency. The film is known for its unflinching and intimate portrayal of Anne's experience, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll of her situation.

The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the Golden Lion. It has received critical acclaim for its direction, performances, and its powerful and timely subject matter.