02/07/2024 - Marie-Magdalena Kochová’s feature debut is an intimate but unvarnished coming-of-age documentary about a “glass child” exploring sisterhood and the weight of responsibility

Young Czech filmmaker Marie-Magdalena Kochová has presented her feature debut, The Other One, a coming-of-age documentary that chronicles the life of 18-year-old Johana, as a Special Screening at the Karlovy Vary IFF. The film explores the protagonist's balancing act between her personal aspirations and the significant responsibilities she faces at home. This intimate portrayal delves into themes of familial duty, self-sacrifice and the complex journey of growing up as a "glass child" – a term describing siblings of individuals with disabilities who often feel invisible and weighed down by expectations.

Kochová has already exhibited an observational style, often focusing on personal stories that reflect broader social issues in her short works. With The Other One, she continues in this vein, providing an intimate portrayal of a family dealing with the complexities of Johana's younger sister Rósa's atypical autism. Kochová's directorial approach is empathetic yet unflinching, influenced by her own experiences growing up with a sibling with special needs, as she methodically chronicles Johana’s final year of secondary school, a period fraught with pivotal decisions and emotional turmoil. As Johana contemplates leaving her small Czech hometown for university, she is overwhelmed by the responsibilities and obligations she feels towards her sister and her overburdened parents. This internal struggle is poignantly depicted, highlighting the delicate balance between pursuing personal dreams and fulfilling familial duties.

The cinematography, marked by quiet, contemplative moments, mirrors Johana's internal struggle and the emotional weight of her decisions. The director frequently focuses on close-ups of Johana’s face, capturing the expressions that convey her inner conflict. Although the documentary addresses the social issue of inadequate support for families with disabled members, it primarily serves as a psychological exploration. At its core, The Other One is a coming-of-age story that delves into the experiences of “glass children”. The film illuminates their silent struggles, shedding light on the psychological toll and the dynamics within such families.

The use of time-lapse technique brings us snippets from Johana’s life, particularly milestones from her final year in secondary school. It captures her preparation for adulthood, including practising to get her driver’s licence, and studying for graduation and university entrance exams, all juxtaposed against her sister’s uncontrollable meltdowns. Notably, Kochová chooses not to show said meltdowns on screen; instead, they are captured only through sound, with Johana remaining in shot.

Johana is always in front of the camera, with Kochová's unobtrusive but close-up observation highlighting her internal struggles. This approach makes the documentary minimalistic, avoiding major confrontations but conveying a silent despair. The film’s introspection suggests it may be more suited for a small screen.

Kochová's film is a portrait of a young woman on the brink of adulthood doubling as a commentary on societal attitudes towards disability and caregiving. By focusing on Johana's internal conflict and her eventual realisation that self-care is essential, rather than selfish, Kochová advocates for a better understanding of the sacrifices made by caregivers in this coming-of-age documentary exploring sisterhood, the weight of responsibility and the pursuit of one's identity.

The Other One was produced by m3 films (Czech Republic), and was co-produced by Slovak outfit guča films, Czech Television and FAMU.