The Deflowering of Eva van End

Reviewed by Sandra Doyle. Viewed at the Metropolitan 4, Santa Barbara. As a personal fan of Dutch cinema and it’s rich history involving the Dogma 95 movement, I was curious to see what Holland’s independent filmmakers were up to today. The title alone caught my attention and after reading the little synopsis in my film festival guide I figured why not give the “Deflowering of Eva Van End” a shot. Little did I know how very pleased I would be with my decision. Exploring the internalized desires and the struggles that come with change the Van End family functions smoothly yet the dysfunctional is lapping at the peeling edges of their family portrait. Eva is seen and not heard as she takes the awkward preteen to a new level. Silent most of the movie, she shows her emotion rather than saying how she feels as her family members whirl around her when the arrival of a German exchange student, offers a fresh perspective on each of their lives. The structure the Van End family has tried to create must first crumble to its foundation in order to be rebuilt. The film itself is very tactful and creates an artistic message conveyed through the way it was filmed. The cinematography spoke for the characters when words had to be left behind. Involving lots of symmetrical shots, mise en scene, and thematic color the story of Eva and her family acquired more depth through the way it was filmed and of what was being filmed. Keep an eye out for the color red, as it represents lust and strategically appears often throughout the movie, such as the jacket her brother has as a souvenir from a girl, which Eva later gets a hold of and pairs up with some poorly applied red lipstick in an attempt to get noticed by Veit. The color white also has a powerful motive symbolizing good and innocence. Veit is constantly adorned in all white clothing, an uncanny resemblance to Eva’s white pet bunny rabbit. Young Eva is in the midst of puberty while trying to wrap her head around boys other than her two older brothers. Much to her female classmates dismay and her own silent surprise, Eva gets an extremely good-looking German boy, Veit, as her assigned exchange student to host for two weeks and practice English with. Everyone, even Eva’s mother, is swooning over their house guest. Eva herself is constantly staring at Veit, which creates a humor that all audience members can re-experience and share as those stifling days wrapped in the cocoon of innocence come back to us. Mr. and Mrs. Van End are approaching their silver wedding anniversary and the efficiency of the life they have created together seems to be pulling them apart as they try to revive their marriage. They are updating their house in small ways to be more environmentally friendly and Mr. Van End wants to do something generous for those in need. Good intentions often get misdirected with ease. The kind hearted and helpful Veit’s good intentions ultimately wreak havoc on the Van End family. More than a coming of age story or a loss of innocence The Deflowering of Eva Van End is powerful and moving while keeping it lighthearted and humorous.