Juliette in Spring: a heartbreaking family epic (review)
Adapting a brilliant graphic novel, Blandine Lenoir creates a moving epic of feelings and highlights Izïa Higelin.
Director noted for her sensitive female portraits (the films Zouzou, Dawn And Annie Anger), Blandine Lenoir adapts for the first time a pre-existing work, namely the superb graphic novel by Camille Jourdy (author previously adapted for the cinema by Julien Rappeneau with Rosalie Blum) titled Juliette – The ghosts return in spring. The story of an illustrator who goes through depression without really knowing why and who returns to spend two weeks in the town of her childhood where she finds her father upside down, her sister overwhelmed by her family life and her mother expansive – and long separated from the father. Initially reproducing the usual things left unsaid, Juliette will gradually discover secrets buried deep in her memory…
In an almost miraculous way, the artistic direction of Blandine Lenoir marvelously marries the tragi-comic universe of the original novel and gives rise to a particularly moving adaptation. At the heart of this eventful family odyssey, Izïa Higelin sparkles in the title role thanks to her melancholic and questioning gaze. Sophie Guillemin for her part talentedly portrays the energetic sister through whom communication will arrive and Jean-Pierre Darroussin convinces as an overwhelmed but touching father. The rest of the cast (Noémie Lvovsky, Éric Caravaca, Salif Cissé…) also brings his tender touch to the building while the music of Bertrand Belin completes the moving of this precious epic of feelings.
By Blandine Lenoir With Izïa Higelin, Sophie Guillemin, Jean-Pierre Darroussin… Duration 1h36. Released June 12, 2024
