No Mercy

Isa Willinger’s No Mercy is a revolutionary documentary film that broadens perspectives across generations of filmmakers, examining the gaze of women and non-binary directors in cinema. Willinger introduces a wide range of women and non-binary filmmakers and includes insights from a founding member of the French Films de Femmes festival.

A central focus is the late Ukrainian director Kira Muratova, from whom Willinger borrows the film’s core statement: “Women make more extreme films.” But does this statement hold true, and what does it really mean? Willinger explores these questions throughout the film.

The documentary combines classic interviews with archival material. The interviewees speak candidly, offering sharp observations on the female gaze, violence, desire, courage, and politics.

Willinger also gives significant space to Catherine Breillat, whose provocative opinions and working methods have sparked strong opposition. The acclaimed Italian director Roberto Rossellini once asked the young Breillat what she expected to add to the male perspective with her shocking debut A Real Young Girl (1976). Breillat replied: “You make us feel shame, and we have to experience it.”

No Mercy constructs a powerful alternative to the male gaze that has long oversaturated our cinematic culture.

Jaana Semeri (translated by Anni Rossi)