4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days 2008
Directed by
Cristian Mungiu
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1987, in a nameless town in Romania, two university students, Otilia Mihărtescu and Gabriela “Găbița” Drăguț, share a dormitory as roommates. The situation escalates when Găbița faces an unexpected pregnancy, leading the pair to arrange a clandestine meeting with a man named Mr. Bebe, who is set to perform an illegal abortion at a hotel. The day begins with Găbița’s anxiety apparent as she waits nervously, while Otilia busies herself gathering supplies, like soap and cigarettes, from the dormitory shop. Subsequently, Otilia takes a bus to see her boyfriend Adi to borrow money. Although she initially declines Adi’s invitation to visit his family for his mother’s birthday, she eventually agrees after sensing his disappointment.
Once at the Unirea hotel, Otilia is confronted by an unhelpful receptionist, who informs her that no reservation exists under Găbița’s name. Seeking alternatives, she eventually manages to secure an expensive room at the Tineretului hotel after much pleading. In a phone conversation with Găbița, Otilia sets off to meet Mr. Bebe at a designated location, but his displeasure becomes palpable when he learns that Găbița won’t be present for the appointment.
Inside the room at Tineretului, Mr. Bebe discovers that Găbița had misled them about her pregnancy duration, indicating it is much further along than initially stated. This revelation escalates the situation, increasing not only the complexity of the procedure but also the potential for serious legal consequences. Initially expecting to pay no more than 3,000 lei, both women soon comprehend that Bebe desires much more than a mere transaction; he expects them to engage in sexual acts to secure the abortion. In a moment of desperation, Otilia complies with his demands, mirroring Găbița’s actions, as Bebe prepares for the procedure in an unorthodox and disturbing manner.
After this traumatic ordeal, Otilia leaves Găbița to attend Adi’s family gathering. Though trying to mask her distress, Otilia endures the hollow conversations around her, stuck in a cloud of discomfort as her mind races with thoughts of Găbița. When a guest’s discussion on lost values and respect surfaces, Otilia quietly reflects on her situation and her own views on pregnancy and abortion amid her disagreements with Adi. Afterward, she attempts to contact Găbița, but upon receiving no response, she decides to return to the hotel.
Upon her return, Otilia finds Găbița lying on the bed, revealing that the fetus has been expelled and is in the bathroom. With a heavy heart, Otilia wraps the fetus in towels, obligated to follow Găbița’s request to dispose of it. Following Mr. Bebe’s prior suggestion, she journeys to the top of a building and, feeling an overwhelming weight on her shoulders, drops the bag into a trash chute. When she returns, she finds Găbița in the restaurant, and Otilia candidly declares that they will never discuss the troubling events they have just endured, leaving her to stare blankly at Găbița, the silence echoing the gravity of their shared experience.
Timeline
Track the key events of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Characters
In 1987, two university students, Otilia Mihărtescu and Gabriela 'Găbița' Drăguț, are introduced as roommates in a nameless Romanian town. Their close friendship is soon tested under dire circumstances.
Găbița's Unexpected Pregnancy
Găbița discovers that she is unexpectedly pregnant, which introduces a sense of urgency and panic into their lives. The situation forces her and Otilia to make difficult choices regarding her health and future.
The Arrangement with Mr. Bebe
To address Găbița's pregnancy, the two girls arrange a clandestine meeting with a man named Mr. Bebe, who is set to perform an illegal abortion. The atmosphere is tense as they prepare for this secretive encounter.
Gathering Supplies
Otilia busies herself collecting essential supplies like soap and cigarettes from their dormitory shop before their meeting. This seemingly mundane task contrasts sharply with the gravity of their situation.
Borrowing Money
Otilia takes a bus to see her boyfriend Adi, where she borrows money needed for the abortion. Despite initially resisting, she agrees to join him for his mother's birthday celebration after seeing his disappointment.
Troubles at the Hotel
Upon arriving at the Unirea hotel, Otilia faces a frustrating situation when the receptionist claims there is no reservation under Găbița's name. This setback forces her to plead for a room at a nearby hotel.
Securing a Room
After much effort, Otilia manages to secure an expensive room at the Tineretului hotel. This location becomes pivotal as it sets the stage for the impending abortion.
Mr. Bebe's Displeasure
When Otilia meets Mr. Bebe at the hotel, his displeasure is palpable as he learns that Găbița will not be able to make it. Tensions rise as he becomes increasingly agitated by the situation.
Revelation of Găbița's Condition
Inside the hotel room, Mr. Bebe discovers that Găbița had misrepresented the duration of her pregnancy. This leads to a complex situation, amplifying the risks and legal implications involved.
Uncomfortable Demands
As the situation escalates, both Otilia and Găbița realize that Mr. Bebe desires more than simply a financial transaction. In desperation, Otilia finds herself complying with his unsettling demands to ensure the abortion is carried out.
Otilia's Distress at the Gathering
After the traumatic ordeal, Otilia attends Adi's family gathering, attempting to mask her emotional turmoil. The conversations around her feel hollow, filled with discussions on values, which only amplify her discomfort.
Returning to the Hotel
Following a disturbing experience, Otilia attempts to reach Găbița but receives no response. This lack of communication compels her to return to the hotel, worried about her friend's wellbeing.
Găbița's Revelation
Upon her return, Otilia finds Găbița in distress, revealing that the fetus has been expelled. The moment is heavy with unspoken tension as Otilia realizes the gravity of their situation.
Disposing of the Fetus
Otilia, following Găbița's request, wraps the expelled fetus in towels and prepares to dispose of it. This act adds an insurmountable weight of responsibility and trauma upon Otilia, symbolizing the harsh realities they face.
Unspoken Agreement
After disposing of the fetus, Otilia finds Găbița in a restaurant and suggests they never discuss what transpired. This unspoken agreement between them encapsulates the intensity and silence following their shared ordeal.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Otilia Mihărtescu (Anamaria Marinca)
Otilia is a strong and determined young woman who navigates a world fraught with societal constraints. She takes on a caregiver role for her friend Găbița, demonstrating loyalty and resilience in the midst of chaos. Otilia's character illustrates the complexities of female friendship and the sacrifices one may make in desperate situations.
Gabriela 'Găbița' Drăguț
Găbița is portrayed as anxious and vulnerable, highlighting the pressures of unexpected pregnancy. Her decisions set the tragic events into motion, showing her struggle between fear and the need for agency over her life. Găbița's character embodies the struggles of many women faced with similar challenges within a restrictive society.
Setting
Uncover the settings of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1987
In 1987, Romania was under communist rule, marked by restrictions on personal freedoms and an oppressive regime. This period saw significant social challenges, particularly regarding women's rights and access to healthcare. The political climate heavily influenced the characters' desperate circumstances and their clandestine actions.
Location
Romania, Unirea hotel, Tineretului hotel
The story takes place in Romania during a turbulent political time. The Unirea and Tineretului hotels serve as important backdrops for the intense and clandestine events surrounding the abortion. Romania in the late 1980s was characterized by strict laws and societal pressures surrounding reproductive health, reflecting a complex history.
Themes
Explore the core themes of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2008). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚖️
Reproductive Rights
The film explores the complex issues surrounding reproductive rights and the dire lengths women must go to in order to make choices about their bodies. It highlights the struggle against societal norms and the legal system that oppresses women's autonomy. The desperation felt by Otilia and Găbița serves as a poignant commentary on the societal implications of such restrictive regulations.
😢
Friendship
The bond between Otilia and Găbița is central to the narrative, showcasing a deep friendship tested by crisis. Throughout their traumatic experience, their relationship is strained but also reveals a profound loyalty. Their journey illustrates how friendship can provide a source of strength in times of distress, even as they confront painful truths about each other.
💔
Trauma
The movie vividly captures the emotional and psychological trauma associated with abortion. Otilia's harrowing experience and the aftermath highlight the significant burdens that come with such a decision. This theme reflects not only personal struggles but also broader societal issues surrounding mental health and the stigma attached to abortion.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.