UK Premiere

Short Synopsis

Enigmatic mystery and erotic coming-of age story.

Review

For years Lucie has lived an idyllic life as the sole female in a close-knit group of teenage friends. Passionate, intelligent and beautiful, her tightest bond lies with her equally spirited brother Pierre, with whom she shares an unorthodox yet compelling relationship. When Pierre disappears mysteriously and is subsequently found dead, Lucie is dragged into psychological turmoil. Recommended to record her thoughts on paper, conveyed via voice-over, she must unearth the truth surrounding the events leading to his death before the police close the case.

Cutting between events before and after Pierre’s death, Barr and Arnold vividly portray the connections shared between people. In spite of the film’s dark subject matter, the real focus is on the beauty and excitement of adolescence, where rock music and casual sex are met with philosophical musings and the cathartic nature of true friendship. The cast are superb, especially Lizzie Brocheré as the complex Lucie, and Arthur DuPont as Pierre; alternating between omnipresence and appearances within the frame. Their characters are both likeable and believable despite their heretical sexual tendencies.

Working on two levels, one as a mystery thriller and the other an erotic coming of age story, One Two Another stands out as a fascinating piece of French cinema.

James Merchant