Falcon Lake

This is obviously based on first hand experience. Without spoiling anything, the basic setup is, as stated in the official storyline, that there is a 13-year-old boy (going on 14), who bonds with a 16-year-old girl. The age difference is almost just 2 years, but we can imagine the difference in their maturity - and we will be right.

The male audience already knows where such a setup can lead for a 14-year-old boy: both Heaven and Hell. And usually it leads to both - almost without exception. So it is a really hard watch for any male who has not completely forgotten his early teen years. Pure art here.

I fully agree with the excellent reviews of the film by Blue-Grotto and comcockbot (the later obviously sat in the same screening as I), and their discription of the story is better than I would be able to deliver. So I will focus on the way the film appeared to me.

Nowadays hardly anyone uses the old academy standard aspect ratio of 1:1.33 anymore and I was a bit sceptic if this stands for an amateuric attempt or fake docu a la Blair Witch Project.

Far from it! The film consists of very controlled settings from the first to the last scene, there is nothing in it that doesn't advance the story or the mood of the film. At the same time it still manages to give you the feeling of an relaxed and slightly boring vacation time for a teenager. Minimal camera movements and long takes with no movement, always a tic longes as we are used to, gives you some uncomfortable moments and you don't know what to do with them, is there something more scary coming or is it just a joke to offset us? The film shifts between the trivial and harmless talks of the grownups and the more daring themes that the two protagonists discuss. The ghost story does appear to come and go. Again, is it just a joke of has it a deeper meaning? Find out for yourself.

Despite the fact the the scenes around the lake have not been technically enhanced, the lake looks not exciting but not mysterious either, the nature is beautiful as it is. The boy and the girl are both great actors and you always believe them in their struggles. The ending has been mentioned as to short to digest, yes, that is true, a bit more time would have been great. But all in all a beautiful film, very well planned and executed, congratulations!

If you're into coming of age movies this one is a treat.

The story of Bastien and Chloe is one that you might have seen before but the characters are so well written that you feel like you are making the same new experiences that Bastien does during the movie. They are relatable, flawed yet likeable characters.

While the movie feels very mysterious due to it's cinematography it is actually a fun ride. I've rarely seen humor pulled off in such a way that there is still enough place to contemplate on the emotional depth of the characters presented.

Chloe and Bastien need to be seen to be believed. The chemistry is extraordinary. Much of the film is, actually.

The ending is not. It feels rushed and doesn't give the viewers enough time to familiarize themselves with the situation. Also, something feels off but I can't quite put my finger on it. If the ending would have been en par with the rest of the movie this would have been movie of the year material for me, a strong 9/10 at least. As is, this is still an 8/10 and I kept thinking about Bastien and Chloe for well after when I left the Cinema. Go watch this if you get the chance to!

(Seen this at Viennale Film Festival 2022)

Charlotte Le Bon has created something great here. Of the many good coming-of-age films set in French Canada, this is my favourite. One of the main reasons for this is the two young lead actors. Sara Montpetit has already been praised many times, and rightly so. But Joseph Engel is simply brilliant in his role. He is a being who is exactly halfway between childhood and the adult world, and he portrays this completely naturally and convincingly. The two are ideally cast for the roles of Bas and Chloé. Add to that the multitude of small, lovingly observed scenes, the appropriately slow pace, the enchanting landscape shots and, in particular, the unforgettable, almost hypnotic music. The film will stay with you for a long time. The ending has been criticized a lot. It is indeed not easy. But you may be able to make peace with it if you watch the film a second or even a third time: it had to happen the way it did.

Wonderfully atmospheric film, with a big role for sound design and an oppressive but fine soundtrack. Feel good movie with a black, grim edge. The ending lacked choices in my opinion and could have been smarter, but definitely recommended!

Despite the slowness, the film is constantly suspenseful. Nice low fi atmosphere and also the picture format contributes to the whole laid back and nothing going on atmosphere, that occasionally is at odds with the subtle thriller/ (light) horror elements.

Beautifully done and I look forward to more from this debut maker, who cleverly uses clichés from similar childhood romance and vacation films.