Falcon Lake

I saw this film at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. Of the twelve films I saw, it was, hands down, the best, and one that will stay with me for a long time.

I don't like reading reviews on here that speak too much to a film's plot, so I won't go into details there. Suffice it to say, this is a uniquely crafted coming-of-age story, depicted with almost painful accuracy, with more than a few twists and fresh takes on the genre. It's funny, moving, at times quiet and contemplative, other times intense and energetic. The acting is superb, and the score is perfect.

I believe it was Howard Hawks who said, what makes a great film is: three great scenes, and no bad scenes. If that is the measuring stick, Charlotte LeBon has presented us with a humble Canadian cinematic masterpiece. Not a single shot of this film is unnecessary or superfluous. Foreshadowing beats its quiet wings throughout the entire film, building to one of the best closing shots I have ever witnessed on screen. Watching those final moments, even my goosebumps had goosebumps. If you've seen the film, you'll know what I mean.

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.

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.

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.

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.