‘Solo’ (2024) Review – Embarking On An Emotional Journey Through Love, Identity, And Redemption

Understanding what truly makes us happy is an intricate journey, a path fraught with introspection and self-awareness. The real challenge lies in discerning whether those around us genuinely contribute to our happiness, support our well-being, and offer the love and care we rightfully deserve. How can we navigate the fine line between authentic love and subtle manipulation, especially when the intoxicating allure of newfound affection or the persistent yet neglected comfort of long-term relationships clouds our judgment?

In the haze of romantic infatuation, it’s easy to overlook red flags, to be seduced by the mere idea of being loved, even if the love we receive is far from genuine. We might find ourselves clinging to those we desire most, blind to the reality that they may not be the ones we need. This poignant dichotomy is eloquently captured in Sophie Dupuis’ film Solo, where the protagonist grapples with the profound isolation that can exist even among those we profess to love deeply.  Solo is a testament to this. It explores the painful realization that sometimes, the ones we are closest to are not our true companions. The film reminds us that genuine happiness and love require more than just proximity or history—they demand understanding, respect, and mutual support. It teaches us to look beyond the surface, to seek out relationships that not only survive the test of time but also nourish our souls and uplift our spirits.

Set against the backdrop of Montreal’s drag scene, Sophie Dupuis’ third cinematic endeavor weaves an intimate and heartrending portrait of love and toxic relationships that are hard to break. The film centers on Simon (Théodore Pellerin), a talented makeup artist whose creative brilliance truly shines when he performs in drag at a local bar. Despite his seemingly impenetrable confidence, Simon’s happiness begins to crumble when he meets Olivier (Félix Maritaud), a charismatic performer from France who joins the show. As Olivier’s influence grows, Simon’s world is slowly eroded by jealousy, control, and a profound lack of understanding, not only from those around him but also from within himself.

Sophie Dupuis deftly introduces a series of jarring revelations, pulling them into the stark realities Simon fails to see. The first disruption occurs with the abrupt return of his estranged mother, Claire (Anne-Marie Cadieux), a distinguished opera singer whose relentless ambition led her to forsake her family years prior. Claire’s fleeting visit to Montréal for a performance stirs a maelstrom in Simon’s heart. Despite his sister’s warnings about their mother’s self-centered nature, Simon harbors a deep desire to reconnect with the woman who appears indifferent to including him in her rigorously structured life.

But Claire isn’t the only storm cloud on Simon’s horizon. Olivier, the enchanting performer from France, initially dazzles as a beacon of love and passion. Yet, as their relationship deepens, Olivier’s charm reveals a darker side. His subtle jabs at Simon’s outfits and flirtations with others at the club begin to eat away at Simon’s self-worth, like moths gnawing at a fragile fabric.

Dupuis skillfully constructs a cautionary tale about the dangerous quest for validation. As Simon gets more enmeshed in Olivier’s erratic behavior, losing parts of himself in the process, the club’s spotlights poignantly highlight Simon’s emotional descent. The harsh lighting exposes the fractures in Simon’s confident façade, even as he struggles to keep his composure on stage. In a touching parallel, we glimpse Claire’s rehearsals, where her relentless drive for perfection mirrors the toxic influences both she and Olivier exert on Simon’s spirit.

Through Simon’s journey, Dupuis delivers a poignant reminder that seeking validation from others can lead us into perilous territory. The film’s emotional resonance is rooted in its raw honesty, capturing the universal struggle to maintain one’s identity amidst the chaos of relationships.

Solo will debut exclusively in select theaters on May 24, 2024, courtesy of Music Box Films. The film will expand to additional markets in the following weeks.