Une confession

I really do not know the classification of movies lately... This was was indicated to be Drama (a really boring one by the way and which I definitely do not discuss it is a drama indeed) but suspense? Really?

Whenever a movie plot turns into something that you could definitely summarize it into a short film of half an hour or less, the movie definitely becomes non-sense. Boring characters, boring plot... the only thing I can save from this movie is the beautiful landscapes and photography from the place this film was made.

Other than that believe me that, if this app would allow me to give it no stars I would certainly do it.

I just adored this movie. But I can totally see why it wouldn't translate well. You have to be French to enjoy it. Because of the language, the culture of silence, the Provence region with its vast, white, sunburnt landscape of bare rock and fragrant vegetation. The Sainte-Victoire, the mount so beloved by Cézanne. The photography, each frame as a painting.

At the very least, do yourself the favour of watching it with subtitles.

Yes, it's long, with long silences, the protagonists not answering each other, or answering ordinary trivial things. But that's exactly what many French people do, with their compulsive restraint, and it's exactly the underlying point of the story. Failed communication as the quiet engine to drama.

What can I say? There is so much unspoken, so much unspeakable, that you need that slow tempo to soak in the emotion.

Interestingly, some aspects of the script reminded me of various Poirot episodes, namely Elephants can Remember, Ten Little Pigs and Appointment with Death.

And the final revelation is as unexpected as well done.

A heart-wrenching, quietly, intensely poignant film.

I'm a sucker for French films and this one didn't disappoint. Beautiful filming locations and a slowly unfolding storyline make this very watchable right up to the rather predictable ending.

The French love to throw in a bit of soul searching couple with meaningful and philosophical statements in their films but vive la différence. The cast does a good job with a sometimes pedestrian script but whilst overall it's a slow moving film I'm glad I watched it.

The conclusion is not a big surprise but the journey is worth it and I'll probably watch it again at some point. Best watched with a good glass of Bordeaux !