Acclaimed French writer-director Alain Guiraudie’s latest feature, Misericordia (2024)
(Misericorde)Attempts to deal with repressed sexuality in a twisted mix of humor, secrecy and deception. The center of the film is the mysterious Jérémie Pastor (Félix Kysyl), who returns to his rural hometown of Saint-Martial from Toulouse, France to attend the funeral of his former employer, the village baker. With the family in mourning, Jérémie decides to stay with the widow, Martine (Catherine Frot), to the dismay of her son Vincent (Jean-Baptiste Durand) and his former childhood best friend. With the growing tension and discomfort, Jérémie leans on his impulses for relief.
Misericordia is a profound display of human uncertainty when conflicting feelings of desire and disdain clash. By Jérémie, the script slowly introduces us to this concept through funny conversations between the characters. Upon his arrival, Jérémie recalls childhood moments differently than his counterparts. The lonely neighbor, Walter (David Ayala), remembers being separated from Jérémie while Vincent recalls playing Yahtzee with him often. These examples demonstrate the small frictions that will predictably grow after being away for so long.
Misericordia blends genres to hide the intricacies of repressed desire
Eventually, relations between Jérémie and the townspeople take a sudden turn when a heated argument breaks into a deadly fight. Guiraudie plays his cards right by shifting his somewhat light-hearted tale from a reunion to one that marries investigation, mystery and pent-up desire. The script also takes on investigative storytelling by introducing other characters, such as the local priest and a police officer (Sébastien Faglain), which offers a hint of humor and escape to exercise the inherent mystery of​​​​​​​​​​ With the involvement of Martine’s family, local neighbors and police, a group effort to uncover the mystery.
Despite a solid foundation, Misericordia Lacks the conviction to convince us of its message and intention to understand human nature. This is a story about expression and acceptance of sexual desires, but there is no image to be thematic elements, and it is not an adequate execution that is meaningful. We often get glimpses of Jérémie’s repressed passions through small interactions that are later excused for drunkenness. Unfortunately, these moments never lead to meaningful commentary or conversation. They were contrived afterthoughts incorporated as a means of providing excuses for Jérémie’s deception.
Claire Mathon’s cinematography amplifies Misericordia’s script
Even with the flaws, Misericordia Contains redeeming qualities that keep us glued to the screen. The cinematography stands out; Claire Mathon’s captures the serious tones and autumnal vibrancy of the setting. The poignancy of her camera work accentuates the narrative even when the script doesn’t. Furthermore, the cast fully commits to their respective roles with the perfect amount of humor. Frott is sensational as Martine, battling her curiosity with growing contempt as she is forced to deal with constant lies. She is completely convincing as a widow overcome by tragedy and deception.
Despite a solid foundation, Misericordia Lacks the conviction to convince us of its message and intention to understand human nature.
With his best effort to address the complexities of sexual desire and repression by circumstance, environment and setting, Misericordia Never reaches a level that would lead to valuable conversation. As a whole, the film is entertaining, but even its ending is abrupt and uncertain given the premise of the first half. Guiraudie’s latest boasts great performances and stunning cinematography, but even these elements are not enough to fully encompass the weak implementation of its thematic elements. Although it may not be executed to its best potential, Misericordia Still manages to get a promotion out of you when you least expect it.
Misericordia Premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is 102 minutes long and not yet rated.