Thirty-something Jérémie returns to the picturesque village of his youth in the south of France to attend the funeral of his former boss and mentor. At the widow’s request, Jérémie stays with her, even though her son, Jérémie’s best friend since their teenage years, is suspicious, even hostile. Beneath the surface there is a turbulence of repressed desires, suspicion and jealousy flowing in all directions, and conflict is inevitable. Also stirring the pot are an eccentric, pastis-loving neighbour and a priest with surprising moral standards.
French auteur Alain Guiraudie once again explores the intertwining of Eros and Thanatos in a small community. The autumnal setting with its nocturnal mushroom forests, captured by cinematographer Claire Mathon (Portrait of a Lady on Fire), provides an atmospheric backdrop for subtly farcical comedy, everyday crime, small-town oddity and philosophical reflection, all of which are skilfully balanced. Catholic faith and guilt and the whole of human nature with its complex desires are given a gentle queer treatment full of grace and mercy by Guiraudie.
Timo Malmi