MOVIE REVIEW
The Ties That Bind Us (L’Attachement)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Carine Tardieu
Writer(s): Carine Tardieu, Agnès Feuvre, Raphaële Moussafir, Alice Ferney
Cast: Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Pio Marmaï, Vimala Pons, Raphaël Quenard, César Botti
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the delicate contrast of Carine Tardieu’s L'ATTACHEMENT, viewers are treated to a subtle yet profoundly impactful look at family dynamics that defy conventional boundaries. As Tardieu’s fifth directorial venture, the film captures the unexpected connections that bind individuals from various backgrounds, revealing a mosaic of relationships that redefine the essence of family.

At the narrative's heart lies Sandra (Valeria Bruni Tedeschi,) a feminist librarian in her fifties who champions a child-free life out of choice, priding herself on her independence and well-structured existence. This semblance of control is challenged when Sandra meets her new neighbors: a single father, portrayed by Pio Marmaï, and his young son. Their arrival sets off a series of events that gradually dissolve the walls Sandra has built around her, prompting her to question and redefine her notions of personal space and what family means to her.

The film explores Sandra's journey from solitude to unexpected companionship, illustrating her internal battle through Tardieu's focused direction. The storytelling shuns dramatic twists for a more nuanced exploration of evolving relationships, capturing the subtle yet significant moments that alter Sandra's life and beliefs. This narrative choice underscores the film's commitment to prioritizing character development over spectacle.

L'ATTACHEMENT benefits significantly from the strengths of its supporting cast. Vimala Pons delivers a performance that expands the film's exploration of connection and belonging. Each actor contributes considerably to the complex web of interactions that form the crux of the narrative, with Bruni-Tedeschi’s character, in particular, offering a poignant look at the gradual acceptance of unconventional family cores.

One of the film’s central themes is its challenge to traditional family models. Tardieu explores the fluidity of relationships that form the modern family, suggesting that the bonds of love and respect genuinely define connections, not merely blood. This progressive view is woven seamlessly throughout the film, providing a backdrop against which the characters’ struggles and growth are portrayed.

The film addresses the concept of “emotional adoption,” a theme parallel to the physical and narrative backdrop. L'ATTACHEMENT explores how individuals can form family units through emotional investment and mutual support rather than traditional legal or biological ties. This exploration is depicted through the evolving dynamics between Sandra and her neighbors, effectively highlighting the transformative power of acceptance and emotional connection.

The film is a study of understatement visually. Tardieu’s use of natural lighting and muted tones crafts a visual that complements the film's thematic content, emphasizing realism and relatability. This cinematographic choice enhances the story's immersive quality and mirrors the characters' internal transitions.

Despite its depth, L'ATTACHEMENT does not shy away from moments of levity. The film incorporates humor to balance its severe undertones, ensuring the narrative remains engaging and accessible. These light-hearted moments are vital, providing relief and a counterpoint to the film's more reflective passages.

L'ATTACHEMENT is a profound commentary on the nature of family and connection. Tardieu’s film invites viewers to contemplate the traditional definitions of family and consider the possibilities of forming new, unexpected bonds. Through compelling storytelling, robust character arcs, and thoughtful direction, L'ATTACHEMENT not only entertains but also challenges its audience to reflect on the true meaning of belonging and the diverse ways families can be formed and nurtured in the modern world.

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[photo courtesy of STUDIO CANAL, KARÉ PRODUCTIONS, FRANCE 2 CINEMA, UMEDIA, DIAPHANA, CINEART]

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