Frantz

Set in the aftermath of World War I, Frantz is a poignant and introspective film directed by François Ozon, that delves into the complexities of grief, loss, and identity. The movie is loosely based on Ernst Lubitsch's 1932 film, To Be or Not to Be, although it takes a vastly different approach. The story revolves around Anna (Sandra Hüller), a young German woman whose fiancé, Frantz, was killed in action in France. Anna is heartbroken, struggling to come to terms with her loss. Her mother, Marie (Corinna Harfouch), forces her to move on, but Anna finds it difficult to do so. She is still deeply in love with Frantz and visits his grave every day, laying flowers and talking to him as if he were still alive. One day, a young French man, Adrien (Pierre Niney), appears at Frantz's grave, laying flowers alongside Anna. As they strike up a conversation, Anna is drawn to Adrien's kind and gentle nature, but is initially hesitant to reveal her true identity. Adrien, it turns out, is Frantz's best friend from before the war, and has come to pay his respects to his fallen friend. As the days go by, Anna and Adrien spend more time together, and Anna begins to confide in Adrien about her loss and her grief. Adrien, in turn, shares stories about his childhood friendship with Frantz, painting a picture of a warm and vibrant young man who was loved by all who knew him. As they spend more time together, Anna finds herself developing feelings for Adrien, but struggles with the guilt of moving on from her deceased fiancé. Meanwhile, Marie is suspicious of Adrien's intentions and is convinced that he is taking advantage of Anna's vulnerability. She tries to dissuade Anna from seeing Adrien, but Anna is torn between her love for Frantz and her growing attraction to Adrien. As the story unfolds, Adrien's character is slowly revealed, and it becomes clear that he is not just a mysterious French man, but a complex and multifaceted individual who is struggling with his own demons. Through his relationship with Anna, Adrien is forced to confront his own grief and loss, and to come to terms with the fact that he will never see his childhood friend, Frantz, again. Throughout the film, Ozon uses a subtle and nuanced approach to portray the complexities of human emotions. The film is shot in a muted color palette, with a focus on the beauty of the German countryside. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the quiet and introspective atmosphere of the film. The performances of the cast are outstanding, with Sandra Hüller delivering a particularly nuanced and emotionally raw portrayal of Anna. Her grief is palpable, and her struggle to move on from her lost love is deeply relatable. The film's themes of grief, loss, and identity are timeless and universal. Frantz is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on individuals and communities. Ultimately, the film is a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the enduring power of love and connection in the face of adversity.