Director: Olivier Assayas
Actors: Chloë Grace Moretz, Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, Lars Eidinger
Writer: Olivier Assayas
Country: France / USA
Runtime: 124 min
Rating: N/A
In Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria (2013), audiences follow actress Maria (Juliette Binoche) as she struggles to accept her own reality. Maria began her career in a play about a young woman who seduces her older female boss. Now, Maria is asked to act in the same play – but as the mature character. Inevitably, life begins to mimic art in this complex psychological drama, making it impossible to distinguish one from the other. In a film based heavily on conversation, it is crucial for the relationships to feel genuine and maintain interest, and this feat was achieved due to a sharp screenplay and strong performances from both leading ladies. Binoche delivers a multifaceted and subtle performance, while Kristen Stewart adds energy as Maria’s assistant Valentine. Watching these two characters interact is fascinating, as they adopt parallel roles to rehearse the play, and the audience faces the challenge of determining what is real and what is acting. In each scene, Assayas builds tension and causes the audience to expect a dramatic moment before allowing it to drain away as the screen fades. An arresting score and breathtaking scenery are also paired as the majesty of the Swiss Alps is captured. Challenging yet accessible, this peek into the complex minds of two women is a film to be enjoyed as well as meditated upon.
Overall Rating: 8 / 10
