Du côté d'Orouët

This is the type of film that must be accepted on its own terms. It is neither plot driven nor strictly a character study. It is, instead, a uniquely authentic depiction of a summer holiday, documented in such detail that the viewer feels fully immersed in the events depicted.

The camera work, much of it handheld, reinforces the feeling of holiday videos being played back rather than a commercial feature. And the cast is so natural and effortless, none of them appear to be performing but rather they seem to be living the events as they occur.

I have never seen anything quite like this film before, but I was thoroughly captivated and delighted to have discovered it.