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New Movies: Out of Season (2023) by Stéphane Brizé

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • 2 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Detailed Summary

Mathieu (Guillaume Canet), a renowned actor in his fifties living in Paris, experiences a bout of anxiety before his first theatrical performance in years and abruptly quits. Seeking respite, he retreats to a thalassotherapy center in a small coastal town reminiscent of a mental institution. There, he reaches out to Alice (Alba Rohrwacher), his former lover from fifteen years prior, who now resides in the town, married and working as a piano teacher with a daughter. They tentatively reconnect, airing their current struggles and reminiscing about their past relationship and the paths not taken. Despite their present circumstances, an undeniable infatuation resurfaces, leading them into a romantic affair. Lost in their rekindled feelings, they momentarily disregard their responsibilities to their families and lives apart. However, they eventually confront the reality that the past cannot be altered and that their present lives hold their own significance. The film beautifully captures the melancholic atmosphere through its sombre cinematography by Marie Demaison and a gentle piano-based score by Vincent Delerm, emphasizing the quiet and somewhat empty lives of the characters.

Plot Summary

Famous actor Mathieu escapes Paris due to anxiety and seeks refuge at a spa in a coastal town. He contacts Alice, his former love from fifteen years ago, who lives there with her family. They reconnect, their old feelings reignite, leading to an affair. The film explores their bittersweet reunion and the realization that they cannot rewrite their past.

Director's Vision

Stéphane Brizé's direction in "Out of Season" is characterized by great sensitivity in tackling universal themes such as the passage of time, life choices, and the enduring impact of past relationships. He aimed to create an intimate and romantic film that strikes a balance between discretion and emotional intensity. The film unfolds at a measured pace, aligning with its contemplative and romantic tone, and Brizé masterfully uses the serene beauty of the French seaside as a backdrop to the characters' internal reflections.

Themes

  • Second Chances and Missed Opportunities: The film explores the possibility of revisiting past relationships and contemplating "what if" scenarios.

  • The Passage of Time and Aging: Both Mathieu and Alice are at a stage in their lives where they reflect on their past and the choices they've made.

  • The Burden of Fame and Anxiety: Mathieu's character grapples with the pressures of his profession and the anxieties that come with public life.

  • The Complexity of Love and Relationships: The film delves into the intricacies of love, desire, and the challenges of maintaining relationships over time.

  • Memory and Nostalgia: The rekindled connection between Mathieu and Alice is fueled by shared memories and a sense of nostalgia for their past.

Key Success Factors

  • Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher's Performances: Both actors deliver perfectly judged, nuanced portrayals of their characters, conveying the emotional complexities with subtlety and honesty. Their chemistry is central to the film's success.

  • Stéphane Brizé's Sensitive Direction: His masterful and delicate handling of the story and characters allows for an unforced and fully engaging drama.

  • Beautiful Cinematography: Marie Demaison's visually stunning work captures the beauty of the French seaside, enhancing the film's sombre and elegant atmosphere.

  • Thoughtful and Mature Storytelling: The intelligent script avoids unnecessary twists, maintaining engagement through dialogues that balance humor and depth.

Summary Short

Years after a brief but intense romance, a melancholic actor and a married piano teacher unexpectedly reconnect in a quiet coastal town, leading to a bittersweet affair that forces them to confront their past and the choices that have shaped their present lives.

Awards and Nominations

"Out of Season" was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

Critics Reception

The film has received generally positive reviews from critics:

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Holds an approval rating of 91% based on 11 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10.

  • AlloCiné (France): Received an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars based on 33 reviews.

Reviews

Reviews highlighted the film's mature themes and the strength of the performances:

  • Seventh Row: Described it as a lovely little film about a depressed actor temporarily rekindling an old flame, emphasizing the themes of choices and their consequences.

  • Swiss Review Art and Events Magazine: Praised it as an intimate and romantic film that strikes a balance between discretion and emotional intensity, highlighting the simple yet profound story of a love reunion.

  • FilmInk: Called it a beautiful film and a masterclass in making an unforced drama about relationships and lost love, commending the performances of Canet and Rohrwacher.

  • The Blurb: Found warmth in the "broken" characters and appreciated the gentle pace, measured performances, and the beauty of the environment.

  • Cineuropa: Noted the pleasant experience of watching the film and appreciated Brizé's intelligent depiction of social media and digital lives.

  • IMDb User Reviews: Many users praised the film as a touching romantic drama with a "Before" vibe, highlighting the chemistry between the leads and the mature reflection on love and second chances.

Box Office

"Out of Season" had an estimated budget of €5.5 million and has grossed $1,430,033 worldwide.

Production

"Out of Season" is a French romantic drama directed and co-written by Stéphane Brizé, starring Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher, produced by Sidonie Dumas for Gaumont, and filmed on location in Brittany, France, with principal photography taking place between March and April 2023.

Production Companies

  • Gaumont (France)

  • France 3 Cinéma (France)

  • Caneo Films (France)

Sales Companies

  • Gaumont (France)

Distribution Companies

  • Gaumont (France)

  • Palace Films (Australia - Release date: December 5, 2024)

  • Alamode Film (Germany)

Theatrical Release

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 8, 2023. It was theatrically released in France on March 20, 2024, and had a theatrical release in Australia on December 5, 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie

  • Mature and Nuanced Romantic Drama: The film offers a sophisticated exploration of love, regret, and the passage of time.

  • Exceptional Performances by the Lead Actors: Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher deliver captivating and emotionally resonant performances.

  • Beautifully Filmed with a Melancholic Atmosphere: The cinematography and score create a poignant and immersive viewing experience.

Why to Watch Movie

  • Contemplate Universal Themes: The film delves into relatable aspects of life, choices, and the enduring impact of past relationships.

  • Experience French Cinema at its Best: Stéphane Brizé is a respected director known for his intimate and character-driven films.

  • Enjoy a Thoughtful and Engaging Story: The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing for deep emotional connection with the characters.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

  • Reconnecting After Years: The film aligns with a trend of movies that explore the complexities of former lovers encountering each other after a significant period, often examining themes of nostalgia, regret, and unresolved feelings.

What Big Social Trend is Following

  • Revisiting Past Relationships: In an era where social media makes it easier to reconnect with people from the past, the film taps into the social trend of wondering about and sometimes revisiting previous relationships.

Final Verdict

"Out of Season" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that offers a mature and nuanced exploration of love, time, and the enduring power of past connections. Anchored by outstanding performances from Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher, Stéphane Brizé's film is a poignant and thoughtful cinematic experience for those who appreciate character-driven dramas with a touch of melancholy.

Recommendations for Film Makers

  • Focus on Character Development and Subtlety: Brizé's film exemplifies how powerful storytelling can emerge from nuanced character portrayals and understated emotions.

  • Utilize Setting to Enhance Mood: The serene yet somewhat desolate coastal setting effectively mirrors the characters' internal states.

  • Trust the Audience with a Measured Pace: The film's deliberate pace allows for deeper reflection on the themes and the characters' emotional journeys.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

  • Continue to Support Character-Driven Dramas: Films that prioritize mature storytelling and nuanced performances often find a dedicated and appreciative audience.

  • Recognize the Value of International Co-productions: While this film is primarily French, supporting diverse cinematic voices and international collaborations enriches the global film landscape.

  • Ensure Distribution for Films with Mature Themes: There is an audience for films that delve into complex emotional landscapes and offer thoughtful reflections on life and relationships.


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