Jumbo

Zoé Wittock has not chosen the easy way for her first feature film. A movie about a cleaning lady falling in love with an amusement park attraction: it sounds like a bad joke. But in fact, Wittock takes it quite seriously. The film is appealing because of the way she tells the story: the love affair is not shown in a problematic or laughable way. It's just a little bit different and out of the ordinary, that's all. The other good thing about this film is the lead actress. Noémie Merlant is excellent as the shy girl Jeanne, who is happier in the company of a colourful machine than when she is spending time with other humans. Those who have seen her as the painter in 'Portrait d'une jeune fille en feu' will admire her versatility even more. The strange relationship between woman and machine is shown in some very good scenes, one of which, suggesting even sexual emotions, really stands out for its creativity. The flip side is that, apart from the subject matter and the lead actress, there is not so much special about the film. The other characters are not well developed, the story is rather thin, and the ending feels a bit contrived. This is a nice little movie, with a healthy dose of weirdness. But one unusual idea is not enough to carry a whole film.

Beautiful film. A metaphor for all types of human conditions, which opened eyes and questions. A subtle piece of writing (& directing) and told by a talented cast. I really like it.

Credit here to the director and the cast with their commitment to following through on this premiss and its relatively happy conclusion.

Definite echoes of Under The Skin at times and presumably allegorical with pleas for acceptance - really enjoyable.

Entertaining watch, with an interesting storyline and EVEN BETTER score! The film stands out. Especially if you think everything has already been done before.

Credits start with inspired by a true story, but never explained what was the "true" part. But, in special features it's explained that one inspiration is about people who fall in love with inanimate objects. Anyway, a young woman possibly with a developmental disorder or more likely Objectophilia (in many cases results in marriage) falls in love with an amusement park ride. A question for the viewer is what are the boundaries of love. Does she fantasize a personal bond or does the ride have a human level consciousness?