Aube

I saw this as part of a block of shorts at the Satisfied Eye International Film Festival and came away assuming that all those involved were experienced professionals only to learn that both the director and leading actress were enjoying their debuts. Equal plaudits must be shared by both who give incredibly accomplished performances. The director, Valentine Lapière, gives just enough space to allow the action - and actress - to breathe, while also keeping the majority of the other cast on the periphery, emphasising the sense of isolation and loneliness. Anouk Rubens shines in the lead in an incredibly challenging role and with little knowledge of her backstory, we still sympathise with a character who shows considerable vulnerability beneath the brittle exterior. It's a vignette of a troubled life that gives us enough to be sated but still leaves us wanting more, which can only be a good thing.