The film opens in a cluttered college dorm room inhabited by two young women in the midst of making preparations for a trip. Gabita (Laura Vasiliu) packs her suitcase while Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) visits her fellow students to purchase last minute necessities. Signs of a struggling economy are evident; items such as cigarettes and hair products are sold on the black market to anyone willing to pay the price. Getting an abortion is illegal for both the pregnant woman and the doctor, which is why the preparations have to be completed with the utmost care. As a favor to Gabita, Otilia books a hotel and meets the stranger who will change the lives of her and her friend.
Although the film unfolds over the course of one day, it seems as if much more time passes. The audience follows Otilia around to various locations as she inconspicuously ensures that everything is ready for that night. Otilia is forced to be brave and resourceful while her roommate stays in the dorm, too scared to confront the consequences of her problem. It is difficult to believe that anyone who looks as innocent as Gabita could be in a position to need an abortion. Vasiliu does a good job of portraying the naiveté of her character, whose appearance of purity is deceiving.
As soon as Otilia meets the man who will perform the abortion, it is evident that there will be trouble. During Otilia’s first interaction with Mr. Bebe (Vlad Ivanov), he gets angry that Gabita didn’t come in person, saying that “trust is vital” with such a procedure. In this situation, however, trust is thrown out the window and the relationship between two best friends is put to the test, ultimately yielding unpleasant results.
Although Bebe is unsatisfied with the hotel and the fact that Gabita lied about how far along she is (four months, three weeks, and two days to be exact), he agrees to terminate the pregnancy. Before doing so, Bebe demands sex from both girls as payment in addition to money. Ivanov gives an excellent performance, arguing calmly with the two girls who are reluctant to pay the price. Every word out of Bebe’s mouth is calculated to cement his status as the villain who takes advantage of two women. Even though Otilia is merely helping her friend, she must suffer the consequences of Gabita’s mistake. Rather than displaying the sordid details, Mungiu chooses to focus the camera on one shot, showing Otilia and Gabita taking turns waiting in the bathroom while the other obliges Bebe. After being treated like prostitutes, the girls’ dignity is shattered; still the day isn’t over.
It isn’t until after Bebe administers the abortion and leaves the hotel that we are reminded of the outside world. After making sure that Gabita is comfortable, Otilia leaves to attend a dinner party at her boyfriend Adi’s (Alexandru Potocean) house. While meeting his family, she has to put on a semblance of a smile and act as though nothing is wrong. Despite her apparent discomfort, Otilia is subjected to appraisal by her boyfriend’s wealthy family. Marinca’s subtle, yet powerful performance gives the film an authentic feel, making the dramatic scenes all the more intense.
With minimal camera movement and a straightforward script, “4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days” is a simple, yet excellent film about a real situation that has happened to many women. The superb cast of actors gives the film a natural quality, which will cause viewers to become engrossed in this alternate world. Mungiu’s decision not to sugarcoat the situation may make some viewers uncomfortable, but that is one of the best reasons to see this wonderful film.