Crisp dialog (even in the two deleted scenes) save the overlong suppository scenes that is supposed to be an example of everyday banality contrasting Bianca's frugality, is the backbone of this fine family drama.
Clara, has a dying mother (played brilliantly by Véronique Le Flaguais) which she took care of her whole life. Her husband is a household fixture and her lovely daughter, Bianca, is 21-year-old, smart and likable. She is slated to soon finish university and become all her mother ever wanted (her) to be.
The grandmother is openly bitter and refractive, yet Clara and Bianca have some unvoiced dissatisfactions of their own. As Clara looks at her mother and realizes that, although they have spent so much time together, her mother does not really know her, she tries to avoid the same mistake with her own daughter -- but what do you do when your daughter doesn't want to open up?
Caroline Dhavernas as Bianca is sincere, secretive and seductive and brings us into her well-written world of personal discovery. Her acting paired with Ellen David as Clara come together for an ending that may have seemed forced otherwise. The directing and editing are notable as many little details enhance the picture considerably and makes this relatively simple story stand out.
Content wise we find exploration of family, sexuality, death, freedom and interesting philosophies about multi-faceted people, unconditional love and aesthetics. In this balancing act, there is a fresh seldom seen positivity in morally questionable choices. The movie does not fall into the trap of right and wrong, but opens up many mental doors in interesting and challenging ways.
A fine picture despite the current low IMDb ratings. Give it a try and correct this aberration. For all involved in this project, I have sincere admiration.
Bon cinema !
