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Efira, Dupontel and Marie make a wonderfully haphazard trio, adding witty details to relatively simplistic roles. Efira gets the best scenes, especially in the final act when Suze begins to grasp the true meaning of her mission. And her under-developed connections with each of these men has its own charm. But the film's scene-stealing roles belong to veteran actors Berroyer, as a doctor in the grip of Alzheimers, and Davenier, as his weary wife. Their subplot carries such a powerful kick that it threatens to unravel the entire movie.

The narrative is packed with a steady stream of epiphanies, which makes the film feel like a pitch black variation on Amelie. The freewheeling plot structure, bureaucratic satire and flurry of oddball characters are enjoyable simply because it's impossible to predict who or what might come along next. And many of the detailed set-pieces are wildly entertaining. But it's difficult to properly care for people when the story feels so deeply fatalistic. Only the fringe characters are allowed to have hope for the future.

themes, language, violence

14.Jul.21

Performances are offhanded, adding authenticity to the characters. At the centre, Lamusse has terrific presence as a teen with a lot of secrets, and she also has a big heart for her friends and little brother, played by the superb Glaux-Delporto. Both Bemba and Saadi are excellent as well, creating a fearsome trio at the film's centre. And the male actors are solid in smaller roles, as each sharply defined father, brother, friend or neighbour feels invincible due to his masculinity, as if that will help them.

With the larger group of teens, the banter centres around the mix of ethnicities between them, while calling someone white is a light-hearted insult. And their varied economics and religions also play into their friendships and experiences. All of this is far more layered and intense than most scary movies, creating churning suspense and some genuinely shocking set-pieces. And as it gets increasingly bleak, it's the fact that we feel all of it that makes this extraordinary.

themes, language, violence

18.Jul.21

Performances match the film's tone, focusing on submerged emotions that are only now gurgling to the surface after two decades. As Rita and Violeta, Echegui and Alarcon bring some particularly sharp edges to their scenes, hinting at deeper thoughts while they plot ways to connect with their spouses. The complex layers of tension between all four of these people are vivid, as the haunted Alarcon and Brendemuhl contrast against the more lively and expressive Echegui and Molinero.

Because the details remain so enigmatic, and the characters so repressed, it's very difficult to get involved in what happens or sympathise with any of the people. The general atmosphere is perplexing enough to hold the interest, forcing us to search scenes for clues about where this might be headed. But even as it begins to twist and turn, the motivations remain opaque. This makes everything feel vaguely contrived, cranking up everyone's reactions and waiting too long to reveal their secrets.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

29.Jul.21