Spiritual Journey Meets Self-Discovery

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MOVIE REVIEW
Thunder (Foudre)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Carmen Jaquier
Writer(s): Carmen Jaquier
Cast: Sabine Timoteo, Lilith Grasmug, Barbara Tobola, Marco Calamandrei, Mermoz Melchior,
François Revaclier, Noah Watzlawick, Benjamin Python, Lou Iff, Diana Gervalla
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opens in New York City on October 25, 2023, followed by a nationwide rollout.

RAVING REVIEW: Breathtaking landscapes conceal strict rules and an enigmatic existence that will forever alter our protagonist’s path. THUNDER takes us to the scenic yet orthodox settings of early 20th-century Switzerland, presenting more than a film—a soul-stirring saga about confronting and breaking free from deep-rooted societal norms. This motion picture grips your senses immediately, weaving a complex tale of faith, insurrection, and the pursuit of inner authenticity in a realm of rigid.

In the heart of Switzerland’s lush scenery lies a story of tranquility juxtaposed with stern moral expectations. Enter Elisabeth, portrayed by Lilith Grasmug, a nun whose world turns upside-down amidst family tragedy and concealed mysteries. Her return to her roots places her in a world where natural splendor starkly contradicts the zealous religious fervor and the unsettling silence surrounding her sibling’s sudden demise.

Under Carmen Jaquier’s direction, THUNDER does more than tell a story; it leads viewers through a visually stunning, emotionally charged odyssey that explores the terrain of a soul caught between devout obedience and a quest for autonomy. Although the storyline is deeply entrenched in history, the battle between personal freedom and societal expectations remains pertinent.

Elisabeth’s journey of revelation unravels within a community deeply entrenched in faith and denial. Her parents, steadfast in their religious observance, foster an atmosphere of emotional restraint, a doctrine mirrored by her siblings’ adherence. However, the tides turn with Elisabeth’s discovery of a diary, a window into Innocente’s hidden rebellion against stifling traditions. The diary propels Elisabeth into an existential duel between her religious commitments and newfound cravings for liberation.

Thanks to cinematographer Marine Atlan’s artistry, THUNDER is nothing short of a visual symphony. Each shot captures the beauty of the Swiss countryside, reflecting Elisabeth’s inner turmoil against a backdrop of nature’s freedom and society’s confines. Nicolas Rabaeus’s soulful, minimalist music score poignantly accentuates this visual narrative.

THUNDER isn’t an outright critique of religious austerity nor a tribute to rebellion. It navigates the convolutions of coming of age, mainly through Elisabeth’s silent camaraderie with those she can trust, who struggle with their identity crises equally. Their shared, silent acceptance of their status as outliers creates a powerful undercurrent of unity and isolation.

In its essence, THUNDER is a captivating narrative enriched by its multi-dimensional characters and the daring confrontation of themes such as faith versus dogma, tradition versus self-growth, and the eternal tussle between silence and voice. Despite minor shortcomings, the movie resonates deeply, anchored by stellar performances and a storyline that engages at every twist and turn.

THUNDER is a reflective journey that compels viewers to examine personal beliefs. It’s a mesmerizing visual and passionate journey that cements Jaquier’s status as a filmmaker of note, promising audiences narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and visually exquisite. Encased in the beauty of Switzerland, this film is a societal mirror- compelling and beautifully intricate.

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[photo courtesy of DEKANALOG]

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