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Exploring Relationships and Modernity in Bonjour Tristesse
Chloë Sevigny continues to make waves in the independent film circuit. Following the release of the absurdist comedy Magic Farm, where she portrays a beleaguered TV producer in Argentina, Sevigny’s latest project is a more serious love-triangle drama, Bonjour Tristesse. In this film, Sevigny navigates complex emotions as she reunites with an old acquaintance, played by Claes Bang, against a backdrop of European charm.
In Bonjour Tristesse, Bang reprises a character type that recalls his role in The Square (2017). Both portrayals share traits of the charming yet selfish womanizer, effortlessly managing their lives while filling their days with leisure and financial gains. This new role offers a glimpse into what could happen if his character were to face paternal responsibilities, a narrative twist explored in director Durga Chew-Bosev’s debut.
Introducing Lily McInerny
Release Date: May 2, 2025
Runtime: 110 Minutes
Director: Durga Chew-Bose
Writers: Durga Chew-Bose
Pros & Cons
- Lily McInerny delivers a captivating and alluring performance.
- The film’s sun-drenched visuals and stunning cinematography are noteworthy.
- Raymond’s character may be frustrating, and Sevigny’s role feels somewhat underdeveloped.
Bonjour Tristesse draws its narrative from Françoise Sagan’s novel of the same name, which previously inspired a well-received film adaptation in 1958 featuring Jean Seberg. In the current version, rising talent Lily McInerny steps into the role of young Cécile, showcasing her ability in an introspective story that parallels Sagan’s classic themes.
Although heavyweights Sevigny and Bang lend star power to the film, it is McInerny’s performance that stands out, compelling viewers to stay engaged through the slow-paced narrative. The film also serves as a meditation on the concepts of beauty and longing, evoking feelings of nostalgia as it captures the idyllic French coastline.
It’s noteworthy that “Tristesse” translates to “sadness” in French, posing an intriguing contrast between the film’s vibrant visuals and its underlying themes of melancholy. Viewers might expect a tale of idyllic love, but pitfalls are sure to emerge, particularly as the characters’ complexities unfold against a gorgeous backdrop.
Raymond, portrayed by Bang, symbolizes the carefree existence of wealth and leisure as he surrounds himself with his teenage daughter Cécile and girlfriend Elsa. His carefree demeanor is disrupted as he secretly reconnects with an old friend of his late wife, Anne (Sevigny), setting the stage for a dramatic love triangle.
Es-tu triste maintenant?
Chew-Bosev’s adaptation modernizes the story, exploring contemporary relationships and communication methods, including the use of emails, which adds layers to the plot. Raymond’s casual approach to introducing Anne into their lives raises questions about loyalty and the impact of the past on present dynamics.
Sevigny’s role as Anne suggests a seasoned counterbalance to Raymond, yet the interplay of their characters promises tension as he begins to invite complications into their lives. While the picturesque setting provides a stark contrast to the brewing turmoil, the lack of a musical score amplifies the tension when betrayal and misunderstandings surface.
A Classic Coming-of-Age Heroine in Modern Times
McInerny’s portrayal of Cécile is captivating, highlighting her ability to anchor the narrative through her coming-of-age trajectory. Her performance balances the film, ensuring that it resonates with audiences amid the experienced ensemble cast. Despite Sevigny’s established talent, Cécile’s character proves essential to the story’s vitality.
In an ideal depiction, Sevigny’s entrance could have been marked by a transformation befitting Anne’s complex allure; however, her character’s understated presentation raises questions about the dynamics between her and Raymond. The film promises unexpected twists that preserve the original narrative’s integrity, while Chew-Bosev’s fresh perspective elevates the story beyond mere routine adaptations.
Scheduled for release by Greenwich Entertainment on May 2, 2025, Bonjour Tristesse invites viewers to explore its blend of visual beauty and emotional depth, ensuring a unique cinematic experience that honors classic literature while engaging contemporary audiences.
Source
movieweb.com