RED APPLES
The Virgin and the Rules and Roles
In the Armenian film Red Apples, a couple is tested on their first day of marriage when the groom’s mother interferes with the consummation.
George Sikharulidze’s film opens at the wedding, teeing up their first night perfectly. People are dancing, celebrating and drinking. The parents of the bride and groom look at the couple with knowing eyes. They know what comes after the ceremony and the innocent bride will be a virgin no more.
When it comes time for the bride and groom, they lie in bed, kissing and reliving the night. It cuts away from them as the groom’s mother walks in on their morning love fest. But when she pulls back the covers, she sees the sheets are pure white.
With the bride’s wedding dress still on, the mother-in-law pulls her along to the gynecologist. The only way to tell if someone had sex is if their hymen is broken, right? Wrong. With the doctor’s reassurance, the family welcomes her in and acknowledges the union. But the last shared glance between the couple puts a “did they or didn’t they?” thought into the viewers’ minds.
The 12-minute film is shot beautifully from the perspective of the bride. The societal pressure to perform is palpable — and the awkwardness of your mother-in-law listening in on your sex life is understandable. The award-winning short’s script from Ophelia Harutyunyan will intrigue and leave you with a feeling of wonderment. We hope you enjoy, PROVOKRs.
