La danse des renards

While it's narrative and concept isn't the most unique and creative sport drama, for a first time debut, no doubt the filmmaker, Valery Carnoy, has an ambitious approach and direction take.

Carnoy's direction and approach on the battlings of a young man in sports and mental health is pretty good. As there are some good camerawork, atmosphere choices, and presentation purposes throughout. The themes about the psychological treatment in sports, friendship, and self-identity are explored solidly and smoothly, with Carnoy's direction on the pacing makes it a hopeful and tenseful experience.

The performances from the cast were all pretty good, particularly Samuel Kircher and Faycal Anaflous as the two have pretty good chemistry and dialogue moments together. However, the characters were, honestly, okay at best. The characters have some interesting dynamics and chemistry, but the struggles are that they don't feel too relatable nor as connectable as they could have been. I wish they had a little more emotional development and engagement. Lastly, the writing was simple. I do appreciate there are some new concepts explored like allegories and themes, but the writing does fall into the typical sport drama with a predictable outcome.

Overall, it is a simple movie, but it's clear it is still ambitious and has a good sense of humanism.