The Innocent

3.5 out of 5 stars

Based on events in his past life, writer/director/actor Louis Garrel (Little Women) takes on multiple roles in this film of a son grappling with his mother’s marriage to a prisoner. This French production takes comedic turns through this dramatic tale of trust and family. Yet, the emotional connection that the director has to the story adds an additional layer to this unique screenplay.

Abel (Garrel) is a young widower with a complicated relationship with his mother. As an actress, Sylvie (Anouk Grinberg) chose to live a life that caused her son to care for her as much as she tried to raise him as a youth. He had moved on in his adult years until the unfortunate death of his wife. This forced him to rely on his mother until she decided to marry one of the prisoners who attended her drama class in the penitentiary. Upon her husband’s release from prison, Michel (Roschdy Zem) tries to prove to Abel that he has been rehabilitated. Yet, something did not seem right about his new stepfather and those he chose to associate with on the outside of the prison walls.

This is Louis Garrel’s fourth feature-length film as director and actor, where he plays his alter-ego, Abel. His directing style captures the dramatic tension of his story while unpacking the comedy that can accompany drama. Within this tightly framed film, he keeps his characters uncomfortably close to accentuate the suspense needed to keep the audience guessing. As an actor who is directing, one of his strengths is evident as he manages to get the most out of each of his performers throughout the story’s journey.

As the central character, he does manage to share the spotlight with his co-stars. Anouk Grinberg and Roschdy Zem provide the needed passion for making their love convincing, even as things begin to unravel throughout the storyline of their relationship. Yet, the stand out within this production is Noémie Merlant’s portrayal of Clémence, the former friend of Abel and his deceased wife. The Tar and Portrait of a Lady on Fire actress gives the film the life and energy needed to counter the dower leading man. This combination of characters and talent makes for an enriching and compelling bit of entertainment for French cinema.

REEL DIALOGUE: Are lies ever justified?

This moral dilemma is the basis for The Innocent and remains constant throughout the film. Abel and Michel both struggle with this ethical conundrum, which does beg the question if honesty is the best policy?

'For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.' Luke 8:17

Usually, the person who asks whether a lie is warranted in life is looking for justification for their own moral failings. This may be a confronting statement for some, but for those who have lived through the repercussions of an untruth, it is, well... the truth.

When confronted with difficulties in life, being truthful in all things may bring short-term pain, but it will provide peace of mind. Also, it leaves the person with nothing to cover up in the future.

When it comes down to it, Mum was right. A lie is a lie. 'Just truth tellin'!'