EVERYTHING WENT FINE
(director/writer: François Ozon; screenwriters: based on the book by Emmanuèle Bernheim/Philippe Piazzo; cinematographer: Hichame Alaouie; editor: Laure Gardette; cast: Sophie Marceau (Emmanuelle Bernheim), André Dussollier (Andre Bernheim), Géraldine Pailhas (Pascale Bernheim), Charlotte Rampling (Claude de Soria), Éric Caravaca (Serge Toubiana), Hanna Schygulla (Swiss Lady), Grégory Gadebois (Gerard), Jacques Nolot (Robert, le voisin de chambre), Judith Magre (Simone), Daniel Mesguich (Me Georges Kiejman), Nathalie Richard (Capitaine Petersen); Runtime: 112; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Éric Altmayer, Nicolas Altmayer; Scope Pictures/Curzon Home Cinema; 2021-France-in French with English subtitles)
“It just might be the best film on assisted dying I have so far seen.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
Prolific French filmmaker François Ozon (“Summer of 85″/”8 Women”) directs a true story on euthanasia. It’s based on the autobiographical book by Emmannuele Bernheim and is co-written by Ozon and Philippe Piazzo. It just might be the best film on assisted dying I have so far seen.
The elderly Andre Bernheim (André Dussollier) suffers a severe stroke. He is the father of Emmanuelle, called Manue (Sophie Marceau). Their close relationship takes a turn when he asks for her help to end his life with dignity in Switzerland (where euthanasia is legal and costs a pricey 10,000 euros).
Andre is a renowned French Jewish industrialist. His wife is the famous sculptress Claude de Soria (British actress Charlotte Rampling).
Through Manue and her sister Pascale (Géraldine Pailhas) we can feel how dad’s decision has deeply affected the family. Further concerns are voiced wnen Andre’s violent former business partner (Grégory Gadebois), out of revenge for being exiled from the family, throws a monkey wrench into the already tense situation.
Dussollier and Marceau are just marvelous, giving emotionally moving performances. The film avoids being sentimental while provoking concern for the dying patriarch and his family.
It played at the Cannes Film Festival
REVIEWED ON 4/11/2023 GRADE: Ao