CANNES 2021: The Braves ‘Entre les vagues’
CANNES/MK2Anaïs Volpé's The Braves ‘Entre les vagues’ is one of Cannes' most emotionally devastating and enlightening dramas in 2021. Partners in crime Margot and Alma – played by Souheila Yacoub and Déborah Lukumuena, respectively – are two actors who, in the potential of gaining a lead role in a theatre production, are struck with an earth-shattering change to their lives.
First and foremost, the central partnership's chemistry and charisma between Yacoub and Lukumuena are tremendous. They are contagious in living their lives on their terms and causing chaos to the outside world. They brood disorder and fun, hand in hand, whether that is to crash a wedding while drunkenly looking for food or playing a prank on a love cheat. The writing of Volpé and the performances work together in crafting a wonderful partnership. Volpé crafts organic and authentic scenarios for her characters to engulf the screen in general fun.
Such scenarios work two-fold. Firstly, it integrates the viewer quite playfully and effectively into the lives of the two characters on screen. The scenarios are fun, and they want to see these two women prosper in the world they're living. Secondly, and more poignantly, it makes the devastating news of the films bombshell heartbreaking and even more devastating than it already is.
Now, it would be sacrilege to out this "twist" of sorts, as writer-director Anaïs Volpé orchestrates such in the most painful and organic fashion possible. It is undoubtedly best to witness such a shift blindly. The sheer realisation on one characters face when the news is acknowledged is haunting to witness. The panic and pain travel through the screen; it is an element that, no matter the consequence of the picture, it remains lurking in the background and, more poignantly, for the characters to process constantly.
Nevertheless, it must be said that this is not a feature defined by its 'bombshell' or "twist", but instead a film that uses the language of love and passion for showcasing friendship and life in all its beauty. Yes, that does mean that it becomes dark at times, but the burst of light is always around the corner. In such moments, the weight of the nuances put forward is of tremendous sensibility of the circumstances that follow the two leads. Each moment is filled and bubbles with engrossing character moments.
It is shot equally as impressive too. Utilising close-ups for the prominent running time echoes the immersion and character-driven story but also allows cinematographer Sean Price Williams to echo the setting as a reflection of the internalised pain and respective happiness that this story is built upon. Elements that, again, fortify the experience of being one with these characters, and ultimately cementing Anaïs Volpé's The Braves as a difficult watch but one brimming with life and hope.
