Directed by: Guillaume Gouix
Distributed by: Distrib Film US
Written by Jeff Sparks
80/100
Originally premiering at festivals in 2022, “Amore mio” is finally available to view in the United States via VOD and DVD. The indie film stars Elodie Bouchez and Alysson Paradis as Margaux and Lola. Not yet ready to bury her recently deceased husband, Lola goes on an impromptu road trip with her estranged sister on the day of the funeral. With her young son in tow, Lola seeks to rediscover who she is as the two women reconnect and learn about each other’s lives. Noé Bach’s sun-soaked cinematography stands out among the best at a time that has also seen releases of auteur-driven spectacles like “Perfect Days” and “The Taste of Things.” With its 4:3 aspect ratio, the camera captures each woman up close and personal, never straying too far from its subjects. The performances it displays are largely grounded, allowing the occasional explosions of emotion to leave a memorable mark on the storyline. With Bouchez often demonstrating concern for her younger sister and Paradis expressing distress and confusion, the two experienced actors match each other perfectly, always operating on the same page.
At a mere hour and twenty, the film makes use of every minute while rarely slowing down aside from one drawn-out dialogue sequence that does admittedly murder the pace briefly. With each progressing scene, something new is revealed about our characters. Sometimes the revelations are subtle details that give us a look into each woman’s mindset as their journey develops. Other times, we learn about their lives: past, present, and future. The reasoning behind Margaux’s distant life away from her sister is one element that unravels throughout the film in particular. Scattered moments of joy, grief, uncertainty, and nostalgia befall our characters during their adventure as they each go through their own personal odysseys. Not just my favorite indie title of the year but also the most refreshing work I’ve seen recently, “Amore mio” is my favorite film of 2024 so far.
“Amore mio” Trailer
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