The visuals somewhat bridge the gap between children's book illustrations and outright paintings, and are lovely and enchanting at every turn. This is very appropriate for a movie that's filled with such gentle whimsy, soft reflection, and playful meandering. I didn't know what it was I was getting into when I sat to watch, but this is wonderfully enchanting, sans major drama, in a way that so few pictures are any more. In a runtime of only seventy minutes filmmaker Jean-Francois Laguionie gives us unbothered ruminations on self-sufficiency and resourcefulness, aging, solitude, the bustle of modern life as contrasted with the earnest simplicity of just Being - and making peace with oneself. All this, wrapped up in a story that toys with the liminal space twixt dream, memory, and plain reality as the title character finds herself alone in a seaside resort. There's no other way to say it: 'Louise by the shore,' or 'Louise en hiver,' is fantastic!
The movie doesn't sound like much from the outside looking in; I freely admit the premise doesn't portend something that readily caught my eye. In fairness, with its light, delicate tone and thoughtful introspection, it's surely a title that would appeal to a relatively niche audience, those who are already receptive to works of such a nature. To overlook it on any basis is definitely a mistake, however, for this is pleasant and enticing in the most affable of ways, quietly but inexorably drawing us in with its tender weave of mellow, fanciful ponderings. Enriched with a smidgen of additional flavor by Pierre Kellner and Pascal Le Pennec with their tasteful original music, Laguionie has shaped a feature of unflagging warmth and laidback meditation, equal part storytelling and contemplation. And for those who are open to films of this kind, frankly 'Louise by the shore' is all but a must-see.
What more is there to say? After loving 2011's 'Le tableau' so dearly I should have known to expect great things in another animated effort from Laguionie, but still I'm so very pleased and impressed with what the man put together here. Only viewers of a particular age, or "maturity" if you will, will get the most out of this and appreciate it for all it has to offer, yet there is value and sincerity here far exceeding what the best multi-million dollar Hollywood romp could ever hope to afford. If you have the opportunity to watch, this is absolutely worth a mere seventy minutes of anyone's time. Bravo!
