Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry (Subtitled) (15)

Elene Naveriani’s delightful exploration of life, love and the unexpected joys of opening one’s heart.

In the deadpan charm of rural Georgia, 48-year-old Etero has chosen to remain unmarried. A shopkeeper living alone, she unexpectedly finds herself falling for Murman, her delivery man. Faced with a decision between traditional partnership and maintaining her independence, Etero wrestles with her emotions as she navigates her own path to happiness.

It’s a film bursting with charm and wit thanks to rich storytelling and wonderfully real characters. Naveriani brings a colourful, whimsical Aki Kaurismaki-like quality, effortlessly blending comedy with emotional heft as we follow Etero’s journey. Seeing her transitioning from solitude to unexpected romance is both heartwarming and fascinating as her newfound love brings both exhilaration and fear of losing independence. That lingering fear of vulnerability makes her eventual openness to love all the more touching. And as the romance unfolds, her quirky personality shines through. Eka Chavleishvili’s expressive performance captures Etero’s complexity, while Temiko Chichinadze brings disarmingly charming presence as Murman. Balancing slow-burning romantic tension with sardonic humour, it’s an absolute winner.