The misogyny that exists in Blerta Basholli’s Hive should not be looked down upon as something that only happens in the backwaters of the world. If you were to ask any woman or girl right here in the United States, right now, when the last time they experienced misogyny was, I’d bet their response would be far more recent than you’d like to think or admit. It’s easy to point at places like Kosovo and blame culture and history for their poor treatment of women, but patriarchy is patriarchy no matter where you live, and you (yes you), currently live under a damned nasty one right here in the land of the free.
Based on the true story of a group of women who take charge of their lives in the wake of the war in Kosovo, Hive doesn’t bow to grandstanding or unmerited self-congratulation in its depiction of patriarchal conditions. As the now long over war continues to hang heavy over all, Fahrije (Yllka Gashi), like many in her shoes, struggles with the loss of her husband (he’s missing, presumed dead) and the reality of providing for her family. The patriarchal structures in place, however, don’t make it clear what she’s supposed to do for money – but rest assured, one thing is for certain: she, nor any woman, shall be allowed to assert herself in any way. In defiance of these archaic and damning beliefs, Fahrije forms a collective of like-minded widows who begin to produce honey and ajvar (a popular kind of local sauce) to sell to regional markets.
The small victories these women achieve (like getting a driver’s license) are offset by acts of petty sabotage by the region’s patriarchal establishment, but the women press on, and in doing so, establish their independence both financially and spiritually. Basholli wisely presents her story without pomp or flair, opting instead to allow Fahrije’s brazen accomplishments to shine through perseverance and determination rather than melodramatic exposition and rejoiceful vocal outbursts. As a result, Fahrije (and Gashi’s performance) proves a solid rock of triumph and sustained success rather than a stepping-stone to a future one. And while not exactly a “feel good” story (the weight of thousands of missing and dead men and boys is a constant throughout), Hive is an excellent reminder of how a will (or in this case, pure desperation) necessitates a way.
James is a writer, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.