Summertime

This beautiful and subtly nuanced lesbian drama starts so promisingly that the heart races before the head in anticipation of what is to come. Unfortunately, the film relocates from its tranquil country setting to Paris circa 1971 and one starts to fear that it is going to lose its way. Here the closeted Delphine meets feminist and political activist Carol and it’s not long before the two are studying more than politics. These Parisian scenes are by far the weakest in the film and the heavy handed political diatribes and ranting by the feminist group about such topics as abortion are just annoying and alienating. An unforeseen circumstance forces Delphine back to the farm and her mother, Monique, and it isn’t long before Carol joins her there. From here on in the film becomes the one you always wanted it to be, intoxicatingly absorbing. Cecile De France (Carol), bearing an uncanny resemblance to Julia Roberts, and Izia Hegelin (Delphine) slowly get us to care and invest in these characters and as events develop we are treated to some exquisitely realised and, at times, moving scenes (Carol dancing with Delphine’s mother; The train station and the coda circa 1976 are all wonderful moments). As Monique, Delphine’s knowing and watchful mother, Noemie Lvovsky is terrific in support. The film also has some very pretty music on the soundtrack which is a very welcome antidote to the clutch of awful songs that occasionally burst forth, again mainly in the jarring Paris interlude. Due to its subject matter and frequent unashamed nudity this is not a film for everyone. However, others will be surprised by just how immersed they become in this little drama about growing up gay in a small conservative community in the 70’s. Ultimately, this is that rare unambitious film that truly resonates after the credits have rolled and is a most welcome alternative to the dross the summer season has offered thus far.

This is a not entirely gripping film to start with but by the end, I did find it quite engrossing. Its relatively poignant at times, although I imagine some may feel uncomfortable with the female nudity and sex scenes, of which there certainly are some. Its the mix of personality types with the two main characters, Carole and Delphine, that intrigued me. I thought the ending was good - I won't give away any spoilers but towards half way through I felt a little unsure what substance the film had and by the end, I realised that it was a somewhat powerful film and not in a purely smutty sort of a way. I suppose its partly about the differences of opinion held by younger and older generations in the time its set in (the very early 1970s). Also the feminism theme may (or may not) interest people. I would recommend this film, yes.