Um Silêncio

I never leave reviews, but I have to spare you the pain of watching this. The characters are meh (you neither like nor dislike them, you just don't care), the direction given to the actors must have been "always have your poker face on", the plot is slow and meandering, and the cinematography the worst I can remember: half the scenes are too dark to see anything!

Most of the movie you are just watching someone walk or drive a car. And usually not for any good reason.

For such a potentially interesting story line and delicate emotion-evoking subject matter, the only emotion you are left with is.... relief that's it's over.

Joachim Lafosse's A Silence is a slow-burning drama about a family where the unspoken hangs heavy in the air, threatening to suffocate its characters. We meet the Schaars-a wealthy couple, Astrid (Emmanuelle Devos) and François (Daniel Auteuil), living a seemingly idyllic life with their adopted son Raphaël (Matthieu Galloux). But cracks soon begin to show, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the surface. Lafosse masterfully ratchets up the tension, drip-feeding us information without ever resorting to melodrama.

The film feels distinctly European, its focus on domestic turmoil reminiscent of Michael Haneke's work. However, Lafosse injects a dose of emotional vulnerability missing from Haneke's clinical approach. We see the toll the silence takes on Astrid, her facade of composure crumbling as the truth threatens to unravel. Devos delivers a powerhouse performance, her eyes conveying a lifetime of unspoken pain. Auteuil portrays François with a quiet intensity, his character haunted by past choices. Even newcomer Galloux holds his own, capturing the confusion and anger of a teenager grappling with a fractured family.

While the acting is superb, the pacing can slow at times. Long, lingering shots showcase the opulent surroundings that feel increasingly like a gilded cage for the characters. The score is sparse, adding to the film's overall sense of unease. The muted color palette reflects the emotional state of the characters, with pops of color only highlighting their isolation. Lafosse utilizes silence to great effect, letting the characters' unspoken words speak volumes.

A Silence isn't an easy watch. It tackles complex themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the enduring power of the past. However, its raw portrayal of family dysfunction and the performances of its central trio make it a compelling, if uncomfortable, watch. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, look elsewhere. But for those who appreciate slow-burn dramas that linger long after watching the movie, A Silence is a haunting and thought-provoking film.

A strange start which failed to set up the plot. It took really to 70% into the film to get the real story and even then it was confusing to say the least. Sure the subject matter is delicate but why confuse the audience ? .. It was always hard to get into each character and work out where they were placed within the plot. The past indiscretion of the father was never explained properly, which may have let the film flow better. The exact relations between the father and the son only let you guess ! The same with the mother, who seemed herself confessing as all the rest of the cast. I expected much better.

I thought seeing a french film would always be very different to a hollywood blockbuster, but I was more challenged than I thought. At least half of the film was in dark, gloomy, fuzzy filmed cars and homes. We could not relate to any character or feel empathy for any; which is ok if that's what you were aiming for. The plot moved excessively slowly. Once the facts started to emerge, the scenes began to brighten and dialogue made more sense. Was that a plot device? Either way, this film both in its content and filming techniques is not for everyone. Would I recommend, yes, but dont pay for it at the cinema. Stream it.

I guess I was a little tired from a late night but this did not help to keep awake. I do agree with the review that gives only 2 stars. And I'm sorry I press the wrong rating by accident as it was exactly how I felt.

I'm agreat fan of D Autheuill and also Emanuelle Devos. But this was not a movie I enjoyed.

The screen opens wider after the preamble, but you get a very small writing on its center, quite hard to read... Then many of the shots are similar too! Then you get a simple but sad story told in a rather confusing maner and in an obscure and somber out of focus ambiance... there is little or nothing to spoil about it.