Le lycéen

Rarely do I come across a film that is so emotionally visceral that I genuinely feel the grief and joy, the chaos and peace, and every moment in between. Le Lycéen is one. Paul Kircher is truly phenomenal as Lucas, a character with whom you feel grateful to have experienced each moment. His performance is award-worthy, and I look forward to what he'll do next, because I know it will be wonderful. Juliette Binoche plays her role of Lucas' mother with excellence and poise and her performance must be seen to be fully appreciated. The story is beautiful in its simplicity. It touches deeply, and though I haven't shared Lucas' experience, the film made me almost believe I had. It's been a long time since I've sat through the credits of a movie in thought, just for the simple purpose of continuing to feel what the film made me feel. I was saddened as the screen finally faded to black, because somehow I had found the hope that it wouldn't end and that we'd continue for just a few moments longer.

This film deserves to be widely seen. So far I have not found it with English subtitles so some of the dialogue is guesswork on my part. Following a family tragedy the remaining family members come together where the wake is all about provincial appearances. The central young character, Lucas, is more interested in the truth rather than emotions dictated by convention. He is himself casual in his feelings about his local boyfriend and during a stay in Paris with his brother he begins to explore both mind and body with the help of a priest and a casual pick-up. I was drawn into his complex world helped in a large part by the soliloquies to camera. He remains vulnerable throughout and the possibility of exploitation seems to be ever present. The acting is fine throughout and often understated.

There are times one feels emotionally lost and unheard like Lucas in the Le Lyceen/Winter Boy by Christophe Honore. The movie is a slow burner yet beautiful, takes us to the world of 17-years old boarding school student struggling through the loss of his father as well as his inner world which seemingly complex and in dire need of guidance and tender. The family is so much focused on the appearances, and thus turns a blind eye to the inner screams of Lucas, played by Paul Kircher who is a real gem of this movie. Vincent Lacoste, Juliette Binoche, and Erwan Kepoa Fale are also excellent. Strongly recommended.