Gina Calfman

Quite recently I rewatched a two part drama, called: Ella and The Mothers, it stars Michelle Collins as Gina Calfman. This film delves immensely deep into the psychological complications of desire and obsession, as well as the emotional impact of not being able to naturally conceive, having to rely on IVF treatment. This film was first broadcast in 2002, before exceptional medical advancements, there wasn’t what we have today, so the chances of a successful conception through IVF were not as high, but the treatment itself was still as expensive.

I’m not writing this piece to demonise IVF, this is written purely to discuss the character of Gina. Gina is a former model, and woman in her late thirties, early forties. I don’t like villainising, or demonising flawed fictional characters, nor would I agree with the prospect of demonising Gina in this circumstance. She’s overcome by an obsessive desire to be a mum, which spirals further as the story progresses. 

Flawed? Yes - she may be, but that doesn’t mean she has an intention of causing significant harm, despite what her later actions may insinuate. She finds out about the possibility that Ella, a little girl who lives down the street - who was conceived through IVF in the same clinic, may in fact be her biological child, due to an incomprehensible mix up in the fertility clinic. As soon as she discovers there is even the smallest fragment of possibility, she immediately hits the self destruct button, causing chaos, changing lives, and partaking in questionable acts - such as stalking, and eventual child abduction. I don’t necessarily agree with her way of handling the situation, I can at least empathise, and understand. What she’s going through is human.

Why am I discussing this character, you might ask. It’s because I believe discussions like this are important. Mental health is important. That is why, at least for now, I will be discussing further these fictional characters, with the added aspect of International Women’s Day coming right around the corner in a little over a week’s time.