Actors Valéria Bruni-Tedeschi and Bruno Todeschini are transcendent in this intense drama about a marriage on the skids.
Each scene sees them pushed to the outer regions of their abilities as they constantly are at loggerheads over the most petty of details.
After several years spent abroad, Nicolas and Marie return to France. Upon arrival, they awkwardly announce their separation - at a friend's pre-wedding dinner, no less - much to the embarrassment of their social circle.
As commented by the Venice Film Festival, this homage to French cinema auteurs uses “long layered shots to create a kind of narrow stage for the quiet battle of the couple”. Paradoxically, their decision to separate enables them to see themselves more clearly and brings them to ask: Why are two people together? Why are they splitting up?
“Suwa's anatomy of a dying relationship could not be more universally understood. It is a tough, wrenching work of cinema from a fascinating and uncompromising director.”
- Toronto International Film Festival