Heroines lures its audience into a false sense of security, a false sense of comedy perhaps. Anna Khaja’s Regina bursts to life in the first frame, sporting some classically sinful behaviours. She’s in lingerie, smoking and swearing, talking crudely about sex to a silent 10 young girl – Nina – who she is looking after for a neighbour. Nina’s lack of reaction doesn’t deter Regina, in fact it may encourage her to continue speaking about “buttering the bishop” or “feathering the furniture”, insisting that Nina needs to know this information, she’s 10 years old after all!
The audience may chuckle as they enjoy Regina’s creative language and not-very-educational explanation, and I’m sure many female identifying viewers will relate to her outlook. However, Nina is deep in thought and it’s clear that she recognises what Regina is alluding to. Heroines has a grim aftertaste, despite the upbeat music over the credits.
The film is superbly acted by both leads, which is enhanced by the set up; a straight forward two-hander. The characters are however not straight forward. Regina appears as though she is offering well-meaning advice, but looking at little deeper it appears to be a self-indulgent presentation of her own sexuality and righteousness, and completely inappropriate for a 10-year-old.
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Sarah Jane Bowers’ script is layered and lyrical, and Nina’s silence is a brave and effective choice. Nina’s memory, where she is alone and vulnerable indicates a level of neglect in her life, this in turn reflected in Regina’s emotional neglect as she disregards Nina’s feelings with her speech.
The jovial start to the film gradually slips away as it reveals the complexity of the situation without ever spelling it out to the audience. This is a testament to Badalian’s directing, and her connection to realism, not shying away from “authenticity in people and environments” (Badalian, 2020) however uncomfortable they might be.
There are lots of things to enjoy in Heroines; the aforementioned performances, the powerful score by Deca, the overall design is brilliant, but the subject matter stings. This will be an unpleasant watch for some, but unpleasant stories need telling.
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