TU DORS NICOLE (2014)

Directed By: Stephane LaFleur 
Written By: Stephane LaFleur & Valerie Beaugrand-Champagne 
Cinematography By: Sara Mishara 
Editor: Sophie LeBlond 


Cast: Julianne Cote, Catherine St-Laurent, Marc-Andre Grondin, Pierre-Luc LaFontaine

Making the most of the family home while her parents are away, Nicole, 22 years old, is enjoying a peaceful summer with her best friend Véronique. When Nicole's older brother shows up with his band to record an album, the girls' friendship is put to the test. Their vacation takes an unexpected turn, punctuated by a heatwave, Nicole's growing insomnia and the persistent courtship of a 10-year-old boy.

Nothing really happens. In this film as we follow the main character through episodes of her life during the weekend her parents are out of town.

Though life is pretty normal. So much seems to go on around her. That the only thing that stays constant is that she is having a hard time after college. She's not exactly trying to find herself but realizes she needs some definition and to figure something out.

The film is more situational as it goes along. Different things happen but in each new scene we find ourselves in. We are brought there with the baggage of the scene before. So none of it is stand alone.

One of the more charming aspects of the film are the mini-surreal scenes at the end. Like the little boy who still is one physically hit has the voice of an older man that is deep. As well as the skills of seduction. Also the geyser that comes from nowhere.

We learn more and more about the character as the film goes along. Though truthfully, psychologically we never are quite sure what is going on.

Throughout the film she has a hard time sleeping. Which is a theme. So we don't knowing her behavior is because of that. So that each scene has a day dreaming just woke up haze, but opens it up to keep it away from monotony.

This is a film that is told also in many little details throughout that if not looking we might miss, but shows that the director is creating a world that supports every detail brought up. Like her friend calling out sick early in the film and later on when picking her up from Work seeing the welcome back sign the boss left for her.

The only real Plot line of the film is that she is annoyed her brother just drops in and stays and is such a perfectionist no matter how good the music he makes sounds it is never perfect enough for him. Though It is really good, so good I wish the film had a soundtrack available for purchase. As I really dug it.

Also there seems to be a love/hate relationship with her best friend. As they both seem to compete for the same guy throughout. Along the way it always seems like the other one has the edge. Then loses it.

As the film seems to have and runs it’s own rhythm, like an album by a band where each song is similar, yet each one makes a different point that is recognizable amongst the same sound.

The film is filmed in black and white. Though set in a recognizable reality. It also makes the film feel timeless and open to a certain kind of fantasy. Even if nothing magical happens it feels that way.

I'm not going to lie the film is more a study in Behavior and is more light hearted with a bit of cynicism, but if you Give it a chance will most likely win you ever. I can't say the film is riveting. Though, it has a nice atmosphere to stay in. I also realize this won't be everyone cup of tea. But I really enjoyed this film. --The film reminds one of the films of Eric Rohmer , PAULINE AT THE BEACH, BOYFRIENDS AND GIRLFRIENDS, CLAIRE'S KNEE . French comedies that deal more with reality and not much happens. Though carry a charm. While you watch the character realities. Where somehow the nice most pure-hearted is somehow a glutton for punishment. Who gets reprieve of some Slight attention and satisfaction. Though at least the films highlight the so called innocent man's intentions and character to really question at whey pure of heart and not biased?

To me it is a hidden gem. That really came out of nowhere and that I only found due to really looking for something to watch on Netflix instant of some quality. Not the usual time wasters I tend to watch at times. This was a welcome surprise.


Grade: B+

By: Jeff Gallashaw