The French drama Eternal Playground starts with a heartwarming scene thanks to Andranic Manet, who plays the lead role of Gaspard, a young music teacher in Paris mourning his twin sister’s death. As he bids his students farewell for the summer, his expression mixes hope with a hint of sadness, perfectly setting up the film by co-directors Pablo Cotten and Joseph Rozé about friendship and growing up.
Shortly after, Gaspard’s five closest friends reunite to spend a few days in their old school, now empty. They’re honoring Gaspard’s sister Louise’s final wish for them to come together and relive their carefree middle school days. However, they’re all around 30 years old, and old tensions and unresolved issues soon resurface, making them act like teenagers again.
Unlike similar American movies about young adults figuring out life, Eternal Playground has a unique, playful tone. The screenplay by Cotten and Rozé brings out the warmth and nostalgia of the group, while Noée Abita’s smooth voiceover as Louise adds a whimsical touch as if she’s watching over them from beyond.
However, the second half of the film introduces more dramatic elements like a suicide attempt, a fire, and a car chase that feel out of place with the film’s earlier tone. These scenes seem forced as if trying to add excitement that wasn’t necessary.
'Eternal Playground' Review: A French Fable About Grief That Feels Untethered From Reality https://t.co/ombguG53lW
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Manet’s portrayal of Gaspard anchors the film. His performance captures both the pain of loss and a hopeful belief that reconnecting with old friends might bring back better times. The other actors, particularly Alassane Diong as Adel, a confident musician, and Nina Zem as Alma, a woman considering motherhood, support Manet well with their subtle performances.
The directors use slow, thoughtful camera movements to explore the complex relationships between the characters. Despite sometimes feeling a bit unreal, the film achieves a sense of authenticity through the strong connection between the actors and the deliberate cinematography by Tara-jay Bangalter. Source
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