Cécile (Lily McInerny) was ready for a relaxing and enjoyable summer at a villa in southern France in Bonjour Tristesse. Sharing the space with her father Raymond (Claes Bang) and his girlfriend, Elsa (Naïlia Harzoune), was exactly what the doctor ordered while Cécile was trying to find herself. Spending the days swimming and sunbathing and the nights drinking, smoking, and laughing – what more could one ask for?
Well I guess a love interest for one thing. Enter Cyril (Aliocha Schneider). Unfortunately for Cécile, she isn’t able to focus on her own relationship while worrying about her father’s. Everything changes once Anne (Chloë Sevigny) comes to stay. Anne is the close friend of Cécile’s deceased mother. That history with Raymond is one that Elsa struggles to compete with – leaving Cécile in the middle and unsure of what she even wants for Raymond’s future.
Durga Chew-Bose both wrote and directed Bonjour Tristesse. The film is based on Françoise Sagan‘s novel of the same name which had already spawned a 1950’s film adaption. The film is Chew-Bose’s debut both as a writer and director. Right off the bat you can see Chew-Bose’s unique style – the framing, zooming, the focus on gaze and the power of a look. The style stands out and is one of the highlights of the film.
Bonjour Tristesse unfortunately is missing that spark, the energy to really draw you in. Visually it is hard to top. The score is also top notch. However some much needed depth is not present. A strong connection to the characters is lacking. Additionally, the monumental actions taken by certain characters seemingly come out of nowhere. Decisions are made, minds are changed, lives drastically altered – at the drop of a hat. Couple that with dry dialogue and Bonjour Tristesse becomes a frustrating watch that drags on.
