L'Attachement

This film was an absolute jewel. I had the fortune of watching it at the Venice film festival and it blew my mind. Life, death, time, aging, desire, shame, guilt are all present in the kindest, most accepting, most forgiving manner. The way every single connection and emotional state is adumbrated in a layered, sensitive, and incredibly empathic way, is unparalleled. The acting is so immediate that when slight eye movements and almost imperceptible facial expressions are put to the service of the story. The direction is masterful and yet always accessible. Every single scene is a blossoming emotional storm.

Valeria Bruni Tedeschi is amazing, so different each time, so deep and delicate is her acting. This time, in L'attachement she is Sandra, a quiet neighbor who lives alone, and it is with her eyes that we see what happens to the family behind the opposite door. From being a mere observer, she becomes involved with the family and undergoes an interesting transformation: at some point we understand that she wants to become part of this family, which in French is called la famille recomposée. I think the main theme in this beautiful film, so rich in details and curious turns, is that we all need to be part of something regardless of how independent we are or would like to think we are. And life feels easier and more wholesome if we stop fighting this need. Apart from that, many other issues are raised here in funny and serious ways, which makes this film a beautiful gem that you should definitely discover.