Out of Season (2023), directed by Stéphane Brizé, is a French romantic drama that delves into the complexities of rekindled love and the passage of time. The film stars Guillaume Canet as Mathieu, a nearly 50-year-old French movie star, and Alba Rohrwacher as Alice, a piano teacher in her 40s. Once lovers 16 years prior, their unexpected reunion in a small seaside town brings unresolved feelings and regrets to the forefront.
The narrative unfolds with a deliberate pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the characters’ introspection and the melancholic ambiance of the coastal setting. This slow-burning approach effectively conveys the weight of past decisions and the lingering “what-ifs” that haunt both Mathieu and Alice.
Cinematographer Antoine Heberlé captures the austere beauty of the windswept, wintery landscape, juxtaposing the antiseptic enclosure of the spa against the drab yet evocative coastal environment. This visual dichotomy enhances the film’s exploration of emotional isolation and the yearning for connection.
The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of mature relationships, eschewing melodrama for subtlety and realism. The dialogue, co-written by Marie Drucker, resonates with honesty, reflecting the characters’ vulnerabilities and the passage of time.
In conclusion, Out of Season is a poignant exploration of love’s enduring complexities, brought to life by compelling performances and thoughtful direction. It invites viewers to reflect on the choices that shape our lives and the possibility of second chances, all set against the backdrop of a hauntingly beautiful coastal town.
