Hors-saison

Somewhere in middle age, without knowing or even wanting to, a scar from an unresolved past relationship explains the "why" of their present life.

At first, it seems like they both share a common feeling:

"I'm content with my current life, but this isn't the whole story."

Looking deeper, when they speak with more honesty, they admit the courage to express that their life, while free of any real crisis or drama, still brings them to tears for no apparent reason.

They dare to say: "I don't have any specific complaints about my current life, but it isn't all that fulfilling either."

And this time, even a proper goodbye doesn't seem to heal old wounds.

Trying to understand the past feels pointless, but what does a person have, if not the false hope of healing a heart broken by loss, and fooling themselves into believing it's possible?

This French movie by Stéphane Brizé is a sensitive drama/romance, as old lovers meet anew in a different stage of their lives. Guillaume Canet and Alba Rohrwacher are a well-matched pair, whose chemistry was essential to making the movie work.

I am somewhat torn, because the movie's depiction of their (re)connection is well nuanced and plays true, while there are moments of subtle humor and cute interplays. For example, there is a wedding scene where two men "sing" (whistle) as birds to one another, conversing rather eloquently and magnetically - would watch this spin-off. However, the movie is painfully slow, emotionally terse and at almost two hours exceeds what would have made it a more effective runtime.

Brizé's build-ups and long-shots are beautiful, but rather barren, like the inner lives of his ailing characters, which are aptly depicted. However, added to the very familiar beats of the story, it all lacks the weight to justify this outdrawn treatment.

This delicate cinematic romance serves as a mature reflection on love and second chances. With a slow-paced narrative and an elegant visual style, the film blends melancholy and restrained emotion, delivering a deeply intimate and moving experience.

The chemistry between Alba Rohrwacher and Guillaume Canet is the heart of the story. Their performances, filled with subtlety and honesty, convey the emotional complexities of their characters without overacting. Their gestures and glances speak as much as their dialogue, creating a genuine connection that captivates the audience.

Stéphane Brizé's direction, arguably among his best work, showcases great sensitivity in tackling universal themes such as the passage of time, life choices, and the impact of past relationships. The film unfolds at a measured pace that, while it may feel prolonged at times, aligns well with its contemplative and romantic tone.

Visually, the film is captivating, with cinematography that enhances the elegance of each scene and complements the emotional weight of the story. The intelligent script avoids unnecessary twists, maintaining engagement through dialogues that balance humor and depth.

In conclusion, Out of Season is a mature and reflective love story that moves without veering into sentimentality. It stands out as a remarkable work, proving that romantic stories can be as intense as they are understated, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.

Out of Season is a character-driven romantic drama that really hits the intended mark. It features many poignant and melancholic moments but remains quite wistful and light-hearted throughout. There's a distinct "Before" vibe present, and Canet and Rohrwacher are really on top of their game here, bringing a nuanced portrayal of somewhat lonely characters getting washed away with nostalgic memories.

It has been a long while since I have seen a touching romantic drama, and Hors-saison/Out of Season finds not only a decent balance between the elements but excels at being a mature and heartwarming feature.