WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Establishing our place in the world. A goal all of us can ultimately relate to and, ideally, pursue. This becomes more evident when attempting to define the career we’ve chosen, wishing to stand out, be recognized and perhaps most importantly, accepted, acknowledged, and respected. How difficult is this to attain, however, when so many of those with whom we are around don’t share or support that aim?
In France, on the day of La Course Landaise, a highly unique occurrence is manifesting for one the event’s écarteurs, Marion (Caroline Noguès-Larbère). The only woman in the country holding the position she does, it is conspicuously apparent that male counterparts aren’t so keen on her ability to perform as needed. With additional pressures outside of the event weighing on her as well, it is pure desire to prove all others wrong that will drive Marion forward into the arena and possible life-defining prominence.
Next, my Mind:
A simmering, intense study in personal struggle and overtly patriarchal prejudice colliding with dogged resolve and a burning inner fire to triumph over it all sets the stage for this beautifully dramatic, engaging, and poignant BAFTA nominated 13-minute short film arriving from co-writers/co-directors Joe Weiland and Finn Constantine, producer Marija Djikic, co-producers Noémie Lisbonis Boyer and Nicolas Tiry, plus executive producers Cate Blanchett, Sienna Miller, Otis Bell, Sam Holmes, Nick Jones, Coco Francini, Serena Bute, Jane Suitor, Erik Torstensson, Oli Green, Polly Millner, Ashley Horne, James Patterson, Leah Draws, Guy Larsen, and Cambria Bailey-Jones. The film clearly stands firm in not only its thematic elements and their highly necessary intent, but as a visually adept effort that acts to highlight the true depth of these explorations with finesse and well-written, intelligent execution worthy of the project’s accolades and nomination.
Deftly navigating the “being female in a male-dominated world” motif with deep conviction and quietly but fervently palpable tension paired with its magnificently unique setting, the narrative sees the only woman écarteur in France facing her first entrance into the La Course Landaise arena while also having to battle a particular outside issue and initial inward self-deprecating thoughts which she must find the means to overcome in the heat of performance. How the film conveys this blends perfect pacing with astute storytelling prowess that employs very little overall dialogue to draw you into Marion’s reality with evocative impact and stellar, attention-sustaining imagery that simply captivates you, allowing for depth in emotional involvement on multiple levels with ease. You absolutely WANT to KNOW how precisely Marion is going to either win the day or potentially discover she might NOT be as strong as she wished in the situations depicted.
For this critic, it’s that ability for this narrative’s process to create an atmosphere for us as the viewer to BE left wondering until the events themselves reveal the answers. This alone makes the film one not to miss, while acutely illustrating the filmmaker’s skills that make it so. What also stands out here is a compelling portrait of both the literal and symbolic notions of being struck down but then rising up, dusting oneself off, and moving ahead being displayed, and it lends that additional degree of persuasive force to the film’s messages. The forays into faith, self-belief and doubt, abject determination to put detractors in their place, the weight of broken familial dynamics, the equally stringent and unwavering magnitude of a mother’s love for her child, facing fears, embracing one’s abilities, learning from obstacles encountered, and the forming of a lasting legacy both for one’s own and another’s inspiration all get delivered here.
It culminates in a stirringly potent finale that not only wraps events up with an inspirational tone, but speaks so adeptly to the unquestionable power of women in general, motherhood, and personal success most assuredly surpassing many’s expectations. There would be no better way to tell the real story, even if still fictionalized here for the sake of the film itself, of France’s only female écarteur than to actually have THE individual themself play the title character—and this is precisely what occurs. With quite an astounding level of excellence in both understated and emotively energetic manner, Noguès-Larbère elicits the kind of response that one would normally equate with a seasoned actor as she steps into the role of Marion, really performing AS herself, but with a new name. Marion faces the actualities of being in a field that is entirely reigned over by men, having to weather the misogynistic aura surrounding her, wanting to prove them wrong.
With the added burden of a broken relationship and the young daughter she cares for, it all becomes a catalyst for Marion to try and discover the necessary fortitude to conquer that which so many don’t believe she will ever be able to accomplish. The sheer volatility in circumstances being depicted and how Noguès-Larbère enacts it so credibly is impressive enough as it is, but then unite this with the truly jaw-dropping arena sequences her real life skills get utilized through, and it simply makes her entire validity as both écarteur AND actor unequivocally amazing. Supporting roles come about from Laurent Fernandez, Radouan Leflahi, Manuel Severi, and Chloé Bugard who each add convincing substance to the characters they play as each respectively fits into the grander story being told. That’s the wonder of ensemble casts, whether large or small, as the unity amongst them to bring a narrative to life stands out when it’s done right. Here, it certainly IS.
So, in total, “Marion” is short film as it should be, period. Maximizing an abbreviated runtime with full amounts of character and narrative-driven foundations while offering an eloquently stimulating experience, it immerses us in the profound essence of what it is to absorb the essential need for this world to witness, accept, and celebrate the utter capability, competency, vitality, and heart that is women, not just for gender equality, but as a requisite win for humanity.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
