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First, the Recap:
It’s been said in many situations that there are no second chances. While we often discover this may actually NOT be true when it comes to circumstances that end up having opportunity present itself to redeem or redo things over, it is likewise an undeniable fact that the outcome of others is as that first statement advises. If faced with that, especially when taken by surprise, how would you deal with making the choices needed, much less to let go? In Montreal, Quebec, Martine (Marie-Evelyne Lessard) is heavily preoccupied with her career ambitions but is more so distracted by a recent and painful break-up. A visit from her mother Monique (Mireille Metellus) would seem to be a pleasant cure for Martine’s hurting heart, but there could be another as-of-yet-revealed secret being kept that could threaten to disrupt and alter Martine’s life even more drastically than ever.
Next, my Mind:
How we compartmentalize our pain and find rationalization to keep secrets from those we love most are the primary elements explored to deeply affecting, undeniably heartstring-tugging, contemplatively weighty measures through this Oscar qualifying 14-minute short film from director Sandrine Brodeur-Desrosiers, co-director/writer Carmine Pierre-Dufour, and producer François Bonneau that more than solidifies the notion that when it really comes down to it, being truthful with not only ourselves but also to those in our lives we cherish the most is paramount and always timely, more so when the latter idea could end up in abbreviated supply. This critic is continuously amazed at how adept short film is when the quality presented allows for such amazingly impactful tales to be told in such brief timeframes yet carry the potency of a feature film, feeling that degree of completeness and finality, which is executed here to a beautiful and noteworthy magnitude.
The narrative that sees a young woman already in the grip of a personal struggle that has a visit from her beloved mother but is too distracted to latch onto why her being there is more important than ever before, the pacing is entirely , allowing us to become invested in the characters enough so we do truly care about their lives and circumstances while maintaining a solid sense of mystery about what is slowly unfolding and will be revealed at the right instance. Even if you are able to ascertain perhaps what the underlying issue that will ultimately drive the film’s story is, this critic felt it didn’t remotely take away from the effort’s intended and very persuasively plausible, awareness-raising focus that serves as a necessary reminder to us, even in general, that spending all the time we can with our parents or, again, those who are valued to us is not something to take for granted. Because in whatever form it may come about, you honestly never know what even tomorrow might bring. This is magnificently depicted here, in both warming and saddening ways to great effect.
It goes without saying that we DON’T wish to ever face or accept ANYTHING that would require us to feel any conscious perception or literal experience of sorrow and overwhelming anguish, so burying it becomes the defense mechanism we utilize to “protect” ourselves and, we justify, others as well. Reality, however, dictates that FACING these moments of challenge and possible loss is what makes us not only stronger, but can bring us together in a manner that might otherwise not exist. The film does a fantastic job of illustrating this as well, and by the film’s finale, the situation has become so stirring and emotionally charged that you cannot help but empathize with the characters yet also see it all as a mild cautionary tale about who we are as people and the necessity to confront the upsetting happenings in our loved one’s lives but not do so to the sacrifice of ignoring our own. It’s not an easy road to travel, but the far-reaching ramifications of it all can yield an appreciation and closeness that speaks volumes to what anchors it all–LOVE.
Lessard paints us a picture of a calm but also unsettled woman through the role of Martine who’s battling inward strife that, even though known about, she still tries to keep contained even when it’s evident the interruption it’s causing to her life has gained power over time. Yet, the visit of her mother acts as at least some solace, but still doesn’t manage to wake Martine up to a point where she’s able to realize more is going on with her mother’s visit than it seems. Once more, understatement is key to bringing the required depth of credibility to Martine’s character, and Lessard carries this off with deft precision and relatability. The same can very much be said for Metellus and her performance as Martine’s mother Monique, whose trip to see her daughter is tinged with both tension and tenderness, even as she soon finds out that which she’s been waiting to be advised about and yet has not chosen to share. Even as Monique tries to be subtle and veiled about everything in order to make the focus seem to only be for her daughter’s wellbeing, it soon goes beyond that and turns into a voyage of revelation, reconciliation, and newfound adoration for their relationship. Metellus is so entirely engaging throughout the film, making her presence felt with quiet fervency.
So, in total, “Fanmi” is really a very uncomplicated tale that stays within its cornerstone thematic objectives while still delivering an influential message that this critic hopes will find a way to resonate with any who view it, causing us to acknowledge the need we ALL have to NOT allow our griefs or other possible plights to be concealed away and unaddressed, therefore not only permitting them to rule us, but to blind us to the truths we need to confess or release with those we treasure. May we strive to be more transparent, trusting, selfless, and purposeful in who we are in order to see lasting devotion towards one another while better comprehending that time is something we should all make more of for exactly that reason.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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