The Roar of Engines and Emotions

Read Time:3 Minute, 26 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rodeo (Rodéo)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Lola Quivoron
Writer(s): Lola Quivoron, Antonia Buresi
Cast: Julie Ledru, Yannis Lafki, Antonia Buresi, Cody Schroeder, Louis Sotton, Junior Correia
Where To Watch: streaming on Music Box Direct www.musicboxdirect.com, or pre-order the Blu-ray here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Dive into this intriguing world of adrenaline, thrills, and more with RODEO, a tale about the audacious and tenacious Julia. Director Lola Quivoron helps bring this emotionally charged performance by Julie Ledru to life. Ledru’s Julia is a force to be reckoned with, fearlessly defying norms and conventions, and it's impossible not to be drawn to her fiery spirit.

RODEO, helmed by the audacious Quivoron, skillfully blends elements of camaraderie and exceptionally skilled choreography into the narrative while maintaining an authentic sense of community in a tumultuous setting. Quivoron's RODEO is a cinematic feat that resonated with audiences and critics alike, evidenced by its accolades at the Cannes Film Festival.

Julia’s fascination with the adrenaline-pumping underground world of motorcycle stunts sets her apart. She's a woman unafraid to get her hands dirty, a grease monkey at home amidst the roar of engines. Julia is a puzzling figure to many, seemingly distant and enigmatic, yet as the narrative evolves, her layers are gradually revealed, showcasing her brave spirit and her daring mantra that she doesn't need money because she's resourceful enough to take what she needs.

In RODEO, the directorial finesse of Quivoron collaborates effectively with the acting prowess of Antonia Buresi, co-writer and actor who plays Ophélie, wife of Domino, in the movie. This partnership creates a cinematic narrative that artfully combines urban Western and European drama elements. With its unique blend of ingredients, RODEO emerges as a visual experience of wayward youth and rebel spirits against the striking tableau of suburban landscapes. The movie creatively eschews tradition, opting for motorcycles over horses in this rodeo, adding an unorthodox yet captivating aesthetic to the film.

As the plot unfolds, Julia travels down the wrong path, and her interactions with Ophélie and her son add an intricate layer of suspense to the storyline. The anticipation of a climactic ending, coupled with Julia’s daredevil antics in a male-dominated sphere, keeps viewers thoroughly engaged and eagerly anticipating what comes next.

RODEO is more than just a tale of disobedience. The movie showcases Quivoron's ability to distinguish between the reckless abandonment of urban rodeos and the discipline of stunts, emphasizing the values of community ethics. This nuanced portrayal shows a world of misunderstood practices and offers a vibrant and in-depth character study of Julia.

RODEO pulls the audience into the whirlwind that is Julia's life. Julia finds herself over her head, not in skill, but in consequences with a group led by the mysterious Domino (portrayed by Sébastien Schroeder). The escalating tension within this group and Julia's evolving relationship with Domino's family bring an intriguing complexity to the storyline.

The film is a harmonious blend of raw emotion and contemplative introspection. The movie puts Julia, its protagonist, front, and center and leaves a distinctive impression on the genre of urban Western drama. Quivoron's first venture into feature films, RODEO, exhibits an extraordinary depth of character and a well-structured narrative. It presents a fresh take on familiar tropes associated with youth, urban landscapes, and rebels, ensuring a captivating cinematic experience. A unique combination of drama and daring, RODEO is sure to captivate as vividly as the world it portrays.

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[photo courtesy of MUSIC BOX FILMS]