MOVIES AT LA PLAZA— “L A VENUE DE L’AVENIR” (“THE COMING OF THE FUTURE"): Seeking the future in the past

Movie Review by Sergio Martinez

Director Cédric Klapisch offers us an interesting proposal in this French film, whose narrative takes place in two time periods: the present day, when a group of descendants of a person who had lived in Normandy learn that they are the heirs to a rural property; and the late 19th century, when the young Adèle (Suzane Lindon), then 20 years old, leaves home to move to Paris. Both periods are harmoniously intertwined thanks to excellent editing (Anne-Sophie Bion). In fact, the four distant cousins who visit the house, abandoned since 1944, discover photographs and paintings in the now semi-ruined dwelling and enter Adèle's world, but this also allows them to find new paths in their own lives.

The heirs are very different. Seb (Abraham Wapler), a photographer, is the one who will make the connection in his imagination with Adèle's world. Céline (Julia Piaton), immersed in a high-pressure work environment, will gradually open up to new perspectives on the world. Guy (Vincent Macaigne) is a beekeeper and, in his own words, expresses his feelings through his love of bees. At times, his words may seem somewhat impertinent, but at the same time, he is looking for something more, which the experience of the abandoned house will provide. Abdelkrim (Zinedine Soaulem) is a French teacher at a high school and will soon retire, a moment he views with some apprehension, but one that this experience will help him prepare for.

In the young woman's parallel story, meanwhile, her trip to Paris is motivated by her desire to find her mother, Odette (Sara Giraudeau), but when she finally manages to track her down, she is shocked to discover that she is a prostitute. Two young men she had met during her trip to Paris, Anatole (Paul Kircher) and Lucien (Vassili Schneider), will support Adèle. Meanwhile, her suitor, who had given her a very special souvenir when she left, is now far behind.

La venue de l'avenir is a film with beautiful images, and it is no surprise that the director seems to pay tribute to the works of Impressionism, which are also protagonists of the story in a way.

We recommend this film for the tenderness of its characters, the beauty of its scenes, and the originality of its plot.

Running time: 124 min.

Release date: September 5

Language: French