Fred et Marie

This short film is one of a pair which addresses the issue of domestic abuse and was made as an awareness raising campaign (the other film being Marie et Fred). Rather than seek to make a big impact by having excess and violence, the film focuses on the smaller day to day reality of an abusive or oppressive relationship. So we see Marie preparing for a dinner party with Fred and their friends to celebrate 5 years together.

Those looking for the big flamboyant scenes of "traditional" domestic abuse stories will not have that level of emotion because the film plays small and in many ways it is closer to reality that the influence of Fred is not "he hit me once" but more in the vein of death by a thousand cuts. It is the subtle mix of affection and putdowns, freedom and controlling that shows Fred as abusive to her and it is nicely played out over the film. The plot is simple and contained, just a bit of a special evening in the home. It doesn't have a constant tension in the air, but we feel it in Marie, which is important, as she knows that the next snap might come soon but she seems to lack the confidence to do much – with only the occasional moment where she might try but is quickly reminded why she does not.

This is very well played by Sainte as Marie. She is the right mix of appreciation of the affection but also fear of the other. Meanwhile, Rausin may have less to deal with but he is also good since his "normal" just means he is a bit of an ass and he never becomes some out-and-out abusive husband as we would normally picture one. This mix is important because it reminds us that it is not just a black eye and a story that points to problems at home, but that emotional abuse is just as damaging and wrong. The camera gets close to everything so we can see the small details – particularly in Sainte's performance.

A subtle but important little short film that is worth a look.