Watch Have You Ever Seen Fireflies?

Have You Ever Seen Fireflies? is a 2021 Turkish drama film directed by Andrés Almeida Castillo, based on the novel of the same name by Yılmaz Erdoğan. The film follows the life of a young woman named Güneş (Ecem Erkek) who is struggling to make sense of her chaotic life. Güneş is a free-spirited, rebellious artist who is constantly at odds with her conservative family.

The film is set in Istanbul, in the period immediately following the September 12th coup d'état that took place in Turkey in 1980. Güneş is a teenager during this time of political upheaval and social unrest. She is uninterested in conforming to the strict societal norms that are imposed upon her by her family and by the repressive political regime.

Despite the serious subject matter, the film is shot in a whimsical and surreal style, with fantastical dream sequences and surreal imagery. Güneş is portrayed as a vivacious and energetic character, constantly flitting from one adventure to another. She is often accompanied by her best friend Ada (İlker Aksum), who is a fellow artist and a kindred spirit.

Güneş struggles to find her identity as an independent woman in a society that is still deeply patriarchal. She resents the way that women are expected to behave and conform to societal expectations, and she is determined to forge her own path in life. Along the way, she falls in love with a man named Haluk (Engin Alkan), who challenges her in ways that she never expected.

The film also deals with themes of trauma and healing, as Güneş grapples with the long-lasting effects of a childhood trauma that continues to haunt her. She finds solace in art and in her friendships, but she is also forced to confront the pain and sadness that has been holding her back.

One of the strengths of the film is its use of music, with a soundtrack that is filled with classic Turkish pop songs from the 80s and 90s. These songs are a perfect match for the film's nostalgic and whimsical tone, and they help to create a sense of time and place that is both specific to Istanbul in the 80s and universal in its appeal.

Overall, Have You Ever Seen Fireflies? is a film that explores universal themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. It is a beautifully shot and well-acted film that is sure to resonate with audiences around the world.