A new French-Belgian film by Francois Ozon.
Director Francois Ozon has long been a favourite of mine, having created masterpieces such as 8 femmes or 5x2. His new film Été 85 was supposed to be shown at the film festival in Cannes this summer, but has now been brought to cinemas faster because of the pandemic. The film tells the complex story of a teenager in Normandy, who falls in love with an older boy and experiences deep emotions.
Été 85 is based on a young adult novel by the name of Dance on my Grave by English writer Aidan Chambers. The names have been changed and the action moved to France in the film adaptation, while otherwise staying rather close to the novel. It is the summer of 85, and life is pretty easy for the young people living at the French coast of Normandy: swimming, taking their boats, enjoying time with friends are on the agenda. But the life of Alexis, the protagonist wonderfully portrayed by young actor Félix Lefebvre, is about to change forever.
It is clear from the beginning that this not a simple story of young happy love, as the story is told from two separate timelines which alternate. This narrative structure creates an interesting tension, and supports the good pacing of the film. The atmosphere and storyline is at times bringing up memories of the wonderful Call Me by Your Name by Luca Guadagnino, which can only be seen as a compliment. The similarities do not go deep, however, and the plot develops into a very different direction.
What this charming French film has in common with its Italian counterpart of a love story between two young men in the 80ies is this: both films have a fresh, very talented protagonist, and a set of experienced actors in meaningful supporting roles. In Été 85, the lovely Valeria Bruni Tedeschi gives a funny and tragic performance at the same time, and Isabelle Nanty and Melvil Poupaud add some deep scenes. Benjamin Voisin and Philippine Velge play the two other larger roles oft he younger generation convincingly.
Besides having a wonderful set of actors, Ozon is also showing his skills in his use of music, which is - as in every film - stunning. Especially two moments in the film are magical, and they involve music. As already in other productions, Ozon finds a balance between humour and tragedy, and manages to bring some very profound and meaningful moments to the screen. A must watch in my opinion, which is both enjoyable to watch and memorable overall.
