An Intimate Portrait of Dreams, Challenges, and Triumphs

Read Time:4 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Crois Pas Qu'on Dort (Don’t Think We’re Sleeping)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Nick Walters, Lou Marillier
Where To Watch: premiered January 13, 2025, at the Grand Rex venue with further dates TBD

RAVING REVIEW: Some documentaries resonate beyond their surface story, capturing not just events but the essence of human determination, and CROIS PAS QU’ON DORT achieves this with genuine precision. Directed by Nick Walters and Lou Marillier, this film offers an authentic and compelling exploration of ambition through the lens of three young Parisian athletes. With its premiere at the Grand Rex venue, the documentary delivers a fresh perspective on balancing the weight of expectations with personal identity.

The film centers on Charles-Antoine, a dedicated runner navigating life with an intellectual disability, and twin sisters Leyna and Maysane, rising taekwondo stars working to carve out their paths in life under the watchful eye of their father and coach. The story spans five years, chronicling their personal and professional triumphs and struggles while exploring the sacrifices required to achieve greatness. The depth of these stories makes the film more than an account of sporting triumph; it explores what it means to grow while chasing a dream.

Charles-Antoine’s story is perhaps the most intriguing. His unexpected gold medal victory at the Tokyo Paralympics cements his place as an elite athlete, but the journey that follows is as challenging as his climb to the podium. The documentary depicts a man balancing global recognition with his reality, living at home with his parents and working as a trainee gardener. The disconnect between the enormity of his athletic success and everyday life is captured with sensitivity, showing his growth and the struggles of those around him to understand his world.

In contrast, Leyna and Maysane bring a different dynamic to the film. As twin sisters, their journeys are tightly intertwined yet distinctly personal. Their father’s roles as coach and driving force create an environment of expectations and emotional complexity. The twins’ cooperative and competitive connection reflects the challenges of pursuing a shared dream while forging their identities. The film doesn’t shy away from the societal and cultural pressures they face as young Muslim women in France, adding depth to their story. Their relationship with their father, sport, and each other creates a narrative filled with tension, determination, and heart.

The documentary's greatest strength lies in its unfiltered portrayal of its subjects. By dedicating years to the project, Walters and Marillier build a sense of intimacy that allows the audience to feel deeply connected to the experiences on screen. The decision to tell the story from their perspectives gives the film authenticity and resonance, making it a profoundly human exploration of ambition. This approach elevates the tale beyond the confines of a traditional sports documentary, offering a broader meditation on identity, resilience, and the universal challenges of growing up.

Set against the backdrop of Paris’s working-class suburbs, the cinematography brings these vibrant yet often overlooked neighborhoods to life. These settings ground the athletes’ stories in a cultural context, reflecting the challenges and opportunities within their communities. The filmmakers use this to highlight not just the grit of the athletes but the resilience of the people around them.

The film’s soundtrack, which blends original compositions with the energy of Parisian hip-hop, adds another layer of energy. Tiakola, a celebrated local artist, contributes a track that bridges the worlds of sports and music, underscoring the themes of struggle and triumph. The score, crafted by Para One and Same Tiba, complements the narrative’s emotional highs and lows, ensuring the music remains an integral part of the storytelling experience.

Beyond the narrative, CROIS PAS QU’ON DORT conveys a significant message of representation and inclusivity. With backing from Nike and Pi Studios, the project aims to amplify underrepresented voices in filmmaking. The "Crois Pas Qu’on Dort" initiative focuses on diversifying the industry by supporting emerging talent, reflecting the documentary’s broader themes of empowerment and opportunity. This mission aligns seamlessly with the stories of the athletes, reinforcing the film’s cultural relevance and impact.

While the film celebrates the dedication and skill required to compete at the highest levels, its focus on personal growth and self-discovery makes it relatable to anyone who has pursued a dream. The narrative strikes a balance between highlighting extraordinary achievements and exploring the realities that shape those moments, making it both inspiring and grounded.

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[photo courtesy of PI STUDIOS, SRAB FILMS, NIKE]

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