Watch Mariam's Day Off

Mariam's Day Off is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama from Armenia, directed by Hovhannes Galstyan and released in 2017. The movie revolves around the life of a sixteen-year-old girl named Mariam (played by newcomer Anna Gevorgyan), who lives with her father and grandmother in a small provincial town. Mariam is a talented painter and has won several local art competitions, but she feels stifled and trapped in her mundane existence.

On a fateful summer day, Mariam decides to skip school and explore the nearby woods. She meets a group of young activists who are protesting against a local mining company that is causing pollution and environmental damage. Mariam is drawn to their cause, and she decides to join them on their mission. Through their quest, she meets a charming young man named David (Ashot Adamyan), who is one of the leaders of the protest.

Mariam soon discovers that she shares a deep connection with David, and they bond over their shared interests and passions. Together, they explore the beauty of nature, paint murals on abandoned buildings, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection. Mariam's day off turns into an adventure that she will never forget, filled with hopes, fears, and unexpected challenges.

Throughout the movie, Mariam grapples with the pressures of societal expectations and gender norms. She is torn between her responsibilities as a daughter, a student, and an artist, and her desire to live a free and authentic life. Mariam's relationship with her father, who is a strict and overprotective figure, is particularly fraught. She yearns for his approval and affection, but she also wants to break free from his control and pursue her dreams.

The movie also touches on broader themes of social injustice and political corruption. The mining company that the activists are protesting against is portrayed as a greedy and callous entity that disregards the well-being of the local population. The activists themselves are portrayed as brave and idealistic, fighting for a better future for their community. The movie shows the inequalities and power imbalances that exist in contemporary Armenia and raises important questions about democracy, accountability, and human rights.

Mariam's Day Off is a visually stunning movie, with beautiful cinematography that captures the beauty of the Armenian landscape. The music, composed by Armenian musician Tigran Hamasyan, is also a highlight, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the mood of the movie.

Overall, Mariam's Day Off is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that resonates with audiences on many levels. It is a story about youthful rebellion, first love, and the search for identity, set against a backdrop of social and political turmoil. The movie challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them and to question the status quo. At its heart, however, it is a story about hope and resilience, about the power of personal connections and the strength that comes from following your passions.

Mariam's Day Off is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.