My friend invited me to a screening of an award winning French debut film by writer/director Alix Dalaporte. Described as an “arresting and intimate drama about two lost souls in search of human connection” – well, how could I resist?
It wasn’t what I was expecting but beautifully touching nevertheless. Very French. All smoky and sexy in an unexpected way with a gorgeous lead role by Clotilde Hesme – lots of lingering shots at her face which I am quite sure nobody would object to. She meets Tony (Gregory Gadebois) – a down to earth fisherman – strong, uncomplicated and insecure. He is not the man you would expect her to go for and he knows it. She’s desperate for marriage in order to get her son back, but somehow she clumsily wins him over – or vice versa…slowly there develops a connection that the film portrays beautifully.
It is a very simple film. Set in Normandy with it’s magnificent coastal scenery and the director’s quiet, intimate approach allows us to really sit back and enjoy the chance to fully engage with the characters. Tony’s mother was brilliant too I thought. By the end it made me cry and I had fallen in love with the characters. Angel’s pain as a mother of not having her son, the quiet understanding of Tony, the strength of the uplifting ending, the bits where Angel actually smiles…..it’s all just gorgeous.
An unexpected treat on a Monday night.
