A Silence (2023)

Original title: Un Silence

A family in crisis. In the image, an older man with grey hair, wearing a brown sweater over a white shirt, is seen gripping the wrist of a woman with reddish-brown hair. The woman, dressed in a dark coat, looks concerned as she holds a young boy's hand. The boy, with dark, shaggy hair, is wearing a brown jacket over a light blue shirt, and carries a red backpack. They appear to be in an outdoor setting with greenery and a stone pillar in the background. The scene conveys a sense of urgency or distress.

Joachim Lafosse’s A Silence is a slow-burning drama about a family where the unspoken hangs heavy in the air, threatening to suffocate its characters. We meet the Schaars—a wealthy couple, Astrid (Emmanuelle Devos) and François (Daniel Auteuil), living a seemingly idyllic life with their adopted son Raphaël (Matthieu Galloux). But cracks soon begin to show, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the surface. Lafosse masterfully ratchets up the tension, drip-feeding us information without ever resorting to melodrama.

The film feels distinctly European, its focus on domestic turmoil reminiscent of Michael Haneke’s work. However, Lafosse injects a dose of emotional vulnerability missing from Haneke’s clinical approach. We see the toll the silence takes on Astrid, her facade of composure crumbling as the truth threatens to unravel. Devos delivers a powerhouse performance, her eyes conveying a lifetime of unspoken pain. Auteuil portrays François with a quiet intensity, his character haunted by past choices. Even newcomer Galloux holds his own, capturing the confusion and anger of a teenager grappling with a fractured family.

While the acting is superb, the pacing can slow at times. Long, lingering shots showcase the opulent surroundings that feel increasingly like a gilded cage for the characters. The score is sparse, adding to the film’s overall sense of unease. The muted color palette reflects the emotional state of the characters, with pops of color only highlighting their isolation. Lafosse utilizes silence to great effect, letting the characters’ unspoken words speak volumes.

A Silence isn’t an easy watch. It tackles complex themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the enduring power of the past. However, its raw portrayal of family dysfunction and the performances of its central trio make it a compelling, if uncomfortable, watch. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, look elsewhere. But for those who appreciate slow-burn dramas that linger long after watching the movie, A Silence is a haunting and thought-provoking film.

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