MOVIE REVIEW
Spare Keys (Fifi)
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Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 48m
Director(s): Jeanne Aslan, Paul Saintillan
Writer(s): Jeanne Aslan, Agnès Feuvre, Paul Saintillan
Cast: Celeste Brunnquell, Quentin Dolmaire, Chloe Mons, Megan Northam, François Négret, Anthony Sonigo, Ilan Schermann, Romane Bertrand, Shirel Nataf
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available on DVD April 23, 2024; pre-order here www.icarusfilms.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: SPARE KEYS dives into the bittersweet symphony of adolescence with a narrative zest that captures the eye and soothes the heart. Set against the backdrops of Nancy, a city in France, the film charts the journey of Fifi, portrayed by Céleste Brunnquell with a passion and heart that brings her character to life. She confronts the turbulent waters of norms and identity forced upon her throughout a summer of transformation.

Fifi's summer of self-discovery is not just about escaping her chaotic home life; it’s also a more profound quest for identity in the face of what society expects and the looming shadow of adulthood. As she navigates the challenges of her adolescence, the film captures the essence of growing pains and the search for belonging. This personal journey parallels Nancy's idyllic environment, where every corner and cobblestoned street seems to echo past stories, offering a place to share her new experiences. The town’s vibrant history and culture supplement Fifi's narrative and contrast her previous limitations.

The stark contrast between her everyday life of hardship and the tranquil environment she enters underscores the film’s emotional depth. It’s within these walls of a home away from home that Fifi meets Stéphane, played by Quentin Dolmaire, whose unplanned return adds layers to the unfolding drama, enhancing the plot with a connection that examines social stratification and personal development.

This evolving link between Fifi and Stéphane is the crux of SPARE KEYS, transitioning to a resonant, complex bond that eloquently communicates their contrasting worlds. The film sidesteps typical melodrama, opting for a script brimming with authentic character growth. This enables Brunnquell and Dolmaire to shine in their roles, capturing the nuances of their characters' journey through adolescence with a grounded performance that resonates with the audience.

SPARE KEYS offers a genuine portrayal of young life, free from the trappings of cliché, enhanced by solid direction, a powerful script, and gorgeous scenery. The cinematography by Alan Guichaoua deserves particular praise; his use of light and shadow captures the luminous essence of summer, boosting the film’s hopeful and introspective themes.

SPARE KEYS transcends the typical coming-of-age film to portray youth's resilience and the unexpected, defining relationships formed during our early years. It strikes a delicate balance between depicting the gritty realities of life and an optimistic, forward-looking perspective, marking an impressive debut for directors Aslan and Saintillan in the genre. The film captures the fleeting beauty of summer and encapsulates the significant, poignant realizations accompanying our formative friendships and pivotal moments in life. It’s a well-crafted narrative that combines the rawness of new filmmakers with the seasoned themes of personal evolution against a societal backdrop, all captured beautifully.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, DISTRIB FILMS]

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