4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

The film is set in Romania in 1987, during the final years of Nicolae Ceaușescu's communist dictatorship. Abortion was illegal and severely punished, leading to countless unsafe back-alley procedures and immense suffering for women. The film subtly critiques the pervasive corruption and social control inherent in the regime.

• The film offers a brutally realistic and unflinching portrayal of life under a repressive regime, focusing on the challenges and dangers women faced.
• The exceptional performances by Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu, who portray the two friends, create a palpable sense of tension and desperation.
• The film's tight pacing and minimalist style create an intensely claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the characters' plight.
• It raises profound ethical and moral questions about choice, responsibility, and the cost of freedom.

Fun Facts

• The director, Cristian Mungiu, meticulously researched illegal abortion practices of the time, consulting with doctors and women who had undergone such procedures to ensure authenticity.
• The film's long takes and limited use of music contribute to its raw and documentary-like feel.
• The title refers to the estimated length of Gabita's pregnancy at the time she seeks an abortion.