Falcon Lake

It's not so much the story here that resonates, it's more the craftsmanship that has gone into the production. It's a gorgeous film to look at, to sit back and let wash over you - all amidst some beautiful Québecois scenery. It's at their remote family cabin that the quiet young "Bastien" (Joseph Engel) spends his summers each year and where he meets "Chloë" (Sara Montpetit). Their age difference is only two years, but from the perspective of the young lad, it might as well be twenty as there is a distinctive difference in their respective maturity and approach to their new found relationship. There might be one way he can bridge that gap, though, as we discover that there is a rumour their lake is home to the spectre of someone who drowned there years ago. Perhaps he can solve this mystery and maybe that will earn him his much sought after place in her heart - though she has her cap set elsewhere, which doesn't exactly help! What now ensues rather underplays the spiritual angle which is a shame, and it rather focuses a little too much on the traditional rites of passage elements of this hormonally charged young man who is coming to terms with his first real crush as well as experiencing booze and the general buzz of being in love. There is oodles of chemistry between the pair, though, and coupled with their very gently paced character evolution, we are left with an agreeable degree of tension but not a great deal of horror. Indeed, much of that is limited to the stunning visuals and menacing audio rather than anything more substantial. In the end - which in itself is a bit of an hastily arrived at let down - this really boils down to two confident and engaging performances set against a backdrop of which nature can be proud and though perhaps you might nor recall it for very long, it's oddly soothing to watch, despite the raging hormones on display. Give it a go.

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)

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.

An uneasy emotional journey, with amazing performances by the young actors. First film from the director, who brings a spooky sense of unease to the entire story, taking a "coming-of-age" tale and infusing it with the ever-threatening darkness hinted at by a classical fairy tale.

It's aided with deeply evocative cinematography and a musical score that effectively reflects the confused emotions of the two leads, echoing the uncertainty of two characters approaching the unfamiliar and uncharted waters of adulthood. It's a big scary world out there, almost as scary as the world of your own churning emotions inside, as the score keeps reminding you.

While its the slowest of slow-burns, it is incredibly affecting, and well worth any thoughtful viewer's time.

I just finished watching the 2022 film Falcon Lake. I didn't know until I entered the data on IMDb that it was actually adapted from Bastien Vivès' semi-autobiographical graphic novel Une sour.

The atmosphere of the film already hinted at this, and learning this made everything fall into place. First of all, Falcon Lake is a film with so many subtexts that we can't call it an ordinary coming-of-age drama. While it has a narrative from the French school, it doesn't get too caught up in art-house storytelling and also appeals to the general audience.

Canadian director Charlotte Le Bon got on my radar with this film, but the real highlight of the film is French child actor Joseph Engel, who won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Lead Performance in a Film for his role. Engel carries the whole film and proves his talent to the audience in every frame he appears in.

Overall, Falcon Lake is a well-made film with a strong performance by Joseph Engel. It's a coming-of-age story with a lot to offer, and it's sure to stay with you long after you watch it.