Holy Cow

Holy Cow is a drama film directed by Guillaume Nicloux, released in 2016. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Alps, the movie tells the poignant story of Totone, a young man who finds himself at the forefront of his family's struggle to survive after the tragic loss of his father. Totone, played by François Civil, is only 18 years old but is thrust into the role of caretaker for his seven-year-old sister, Fleur, and their struggling family farm in the picturesque western part of the French Alps. The farm, which has been in their family for generations, is on the brink of collapse due to the financial struggles of Totone's father, and the weight of responsibility falls squarely on his shoulders. As if dealing with the grief of losing his father wasn't enough, Totone decides to enter a prestigious cheese-making competition in the region, which offers a substantial cash prize that could be the saving grace for their family's farm. Determined to win and save their home, Totone dedicates himself to perfecting the recipe for Comté cheese, a high-quality, semi-hard cheese that is famous for its rich, nutty flavor and firm texture. Under the watchful eye of their gruff but lovable neighbor and cheese-making mentor, Monsieur Dubois, played by Guillaume Canet, Totone learns the traditional techniques of cheese-making and pours his heart and soul into perfecting each step of the process. From the painstaking task of curdling the milk to the delicate art of shaping the cheese into its signature pyramid form, Totone faces numerous setbacks and challenges as he strives to create the perfect Comté. Meanwhile, Fleur, struggling to cope with the absence of her father, clings to her only surviving memories of him – the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of Comté cheese, and the love that radiates from her family's cozy farmhouse kitchen. Totone's dedication to the cheese-making competition serves as a source of comfort for Fleur, who finds solace in watching her older brother work tirelessly to preserve their family's legacy. As the competition approaches, Totone becomes increasingly obsessed with winning, but at what cost? His relationships with his sister and neighbors begin to fray, and the weight of responsibility threatens to consume him. In the midst of his struggles, Totone also starts to forge a bond with a young woman named Margot, who is visiting the region from the city. Their blossoming friendship brings a welcome respite to Totone's chaotic life, and he begins to see a glimmer of hope in his uncertain future. The cheese-making competition unfolds under pressure, with Totone facing off against a formidable opponent – a seasoned farmer with a well-established cheese-making reputation. In a heart-stopping climax, Totone's Comté cheese is judged alongside the competition winner, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats as the judges deliberate. In the end, Totone emerges victorious, but not without learning a valuable lesson about the true meaning of family, community, and perseverance. As the prize money pours in, the Totone family's fortunes begin to shift, and the farmhouse, once on the brink of collapse, begins to thrive once more. Holy Cow is a poignant and uplifting tale of a young man's journey to find his place in the world, to preserve his family's legacy, and to learn the value of hard work, dedication, and compassion. With a stunning cinematic backdrop and authentic performances from the entire cast, this film will resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.