From Academics to Emotional Intrigue

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MOVIE REVIEW
Marguerite’s Theorem (Le Théorème de Marguerite)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023 (in select theaters October 11, 2023)
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Anna Novion
Writer(s): Agnès Feuvre, Marie-Stéphane Imbert, Anna Novion, Philippe Paumier (screenplay consultant,) Mathieu Robin, Sara Wikler (screenplay consultant)
Cast: Ella Rumpf, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Clotilde Courau, Julien Frison, Sonia Bonny
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, available on DVD August 13, 2024; pre-order here www.icarusfilms.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Picture this – you’re thrown into the surprisingly high-stakes world of advanced mathematics, where a single error can throw the entire equation off. That’s the essence of MARGUERITE’S THEOREM, a gripping ride where the numbers game takes center stage. Our protagonist, Marguerite, played by the incredible Ella Rumpf, a brilliant mind from the prestigious École normale supérieure university in Paris, hits a speed bump when an unanticipated mistake upends her academic journey. This unexpected error throws her entire world into a twist you must see to understand. What lies ahead for Marguerite is a world that she could have never expected.

Laurent Werner (Jean-Pierre Darroussin), a towering figure in the mathematical world, possibly holds the most crucial role in Marguerite’s narrative. His unemotional and rigid demeanor in the mathematical field is at odds with Marguerite’s warmer and more accepting ideals, leading to a dynamic tension full of a complex web of diverse perspectives and motives.

Under the expert direction of Anna Novion, MARGUERITE’S THEOREM explores a narrative arc that encapsulates the evolution of Marguerite’s character. Marguerite starts as a hardened believer in her systems but gradually lets down her guard, shedding the weight of what she feels she has to adhere to. Her desire to prove her worth to Werner and the broader academic circle forms a solid backbone to the storyline, adding an element of determination and assertiveness to her character.

Marguerite crosses paths with Noa, an enthusiastic dancer, and Lucas, the good-hearted mathematician, who become vitally important in her life. These interactions encourage Marguerite to reassess her boundaries and chase her dreams. MARGUERITE’S THEOREM stands out because it can leave a lasting impact.

The film underscores Marguerite’s pursuit of perfection in her research, pushing her to mental exhaustion. Despite her unconventional choices, Marguerite is a beacon of modern womanhood, showcasing unwavering resilience and grit in a male-centric field. MARGUERITE’S THEOREM expresses her battles in a competitive landscape, resonating with Novion’s own journey in a gender-skewed industry.

Novion’s brilliance lies in her ability to translate the realm of mathematics into a cinematic spectacle. She converts the serious study sessions between Marguerite and Lucas into visually stimulating scenes reminiscent of a painting that has come to life. The film maintains authenticity by incorporating complex real-world math equations backed by actual mathematicians.

MARGUERITE’S THEOREM is a film that is a testament to Novion’s skill in crafting narratives that resonate with global audiences. The narrative is carried by the incredible cast and beautifully subdued score.

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[photo courtesy of ICARUS FILMS, THE PR FACTORY/PYRAMIDE INTERNATIONAL]