The Other Laurens, directed by Claude Schmitz and screened at Cannes, offers a captivating and unconventional tale. With a clever mix of wit and detachment, the film immerses us in a world of sardonic characters and mysterious settings. Co-written by Schmitz and Kostia Testut, it skillfully hides the characters’ despair and isolation behind a layer of dark humor, fluid visuals, and a captivating musical score. The film’s elegant surface conceals the depths of their inner struggles.
The opening scene bursts to life amidst the desolate landscapes of the France-Spain border. Two enigmatic figures engage in a cryptic conversation, shrouded in an air of intrigue. One of them appears visibly unnerved, haunted by the sight of a man believed to be deceased. Mocking laughter fills the air as the other man dismisses his fears, assuring him that “Francois is a mere memory.” Meanwhile, in the backdrop, an aging underworld kingpin seethes with frustration over a botched deal involving an enigmatic “American femme fatale.” In this turbulent milieu, even the surly twin brother, Gabriel (Olivier Rabourdin), finds no respite from the relentless whirlwind of events.
In the realm of middle-aged Gabriel, an expert in unraveling the secrets of infidelity, life takes an unexpected turn. His journey leads him to the bedside of his senile and ailing mother, residing in a nursing home consumed by the mists of time. There, in her fragile state, she confuses Gabriel for his long-lost twin, Francois, and beseeches him to inherit his father’s cherished Rolex. This poignant moment is etched in Gabriel’s mind, intertwined with the weight of his own disconnection from his family’s history.
As night falls and Gabriel immerses himself in the haunting images of a clandestine affair, an unexpected visitor graces his doorstep. It is Jade, the adolescent daughter of Francois, seeking his services to delve into her father’s enigmatic demise. The police had conveniently labeled it an accident, but Jade harbors a relentless suspicion, fueling her quest for the truth. Gabriel, burdened by his own animosity towards his estranged brother, yearns to rid himself of this unwelcome intrusion. However, fate intervenes, and Jade finds herself spending the night under Gabriel’s roof, defying his every attempt to bid her farewell.
The following day dawns with a crescendo of revelations. Gabriel’s mother has peacefully departed, leaving behind a void in his heart. To his astonishment, he discovers that the nursing home fees have been neglected for five long months, a responsibility that Francois typically shouldered. The truth unravels its intricate threads, painting a picture of neglect and abandonment. And in a twist of fate, Gabriel’s path converges with the enigmatic Shelby, Jade’s American stepmother, who casts a mildly reproachful gaze upon the young girl’s vanishing act. Yet, it is Gabriel’s uncanny resemblance to Francois that stirs her curiosity, intertwining their lives in a symphony of secrets and uncertainties. Together, they embark on a journey, setting their course towards Perpignan, a haven nestled amidst the azure waters of the Mediterranean Coast and the serpentine borders of Spain. It is there, within the opulence of a lavish mansion, that their destinies will collide, forever altering the tapestry of their lives.
In a twist of fate, a comedic duo of middle-aged detectives embarks on a whimsical pursuit, seeking out a mysterious gypsy. Serendipity takes hold as their paths serendipitously intersect with those of Jade and Gabriel, who are conducting their own covert investigation. Unbeknownst to the pair, the detectives’ keen eyes begin to shadow Gabriel’s every move, casting an air of suspicion over his activities.
Jade, determined and unyielding, quickly comes face to face with the acerbic side of her uncle. It is in this delicate moment that Gabriel presents her with a precious chain, revealing that it was intended as a heartfelt gift for her departed mother. In the midst of this bittersweet exchange, Gabriel opens up, sharing the heart-wrenching tale of how Francois, his own flesh and blood, cunningly manipulated and tore away the love of Gabriel’s life. As Gabriel recounts this tragic tale, the haunting memory of that fateful day resonates, intertwining his personal anguish with the profound grief felt by the world as the twin towers crumbled in despair.
In the realm of noir cinema, the labyrinthine plots often cease to hold significance beyond a certain point. Questions of betrayal, the true nature of villains in this tragic tale, become secondary. The Other Laurens tantalizes us with these enigmatic puzzles, only to gracefully unveil answers as the greed of its characters leads to their eventual downfall. Yet, it is not the resolution of these mysteries that defines the film, but rather the impeccable compositions, the clever use of dramatic irony, and the skillful integration of classic noir elements that imbue it with a distinct and captivating movie experience. Florian Berutti’s masterful cinematography and Thomas Turine’s evocative musical score stand as the undeniable pillars of strength within The Other Laurens.
For those well-versed in the realm of hardboiled stories, deciphering the thriller aspects of the narrative may come effortlessly. However, it is the eccentric and finely crafted characterizations that bestow upon the film its delicate layers of depth. While the internal crises of the central characters propel the story forward, director Claude Schmitz skillfully carves out intriguing arcs for the supporting cast, infusing them with unexpected dimensions. Together with co-writer Kostia Testut, Schmitz meticulously constructs each moment with a thematic rigor that permeates the entire film.
The Other Laurens, with its runtime of 117 minutes, is like a slow burning fire. Its beautiful visuals, meticulously composed and bewitching to behold, draw us further into its world. Beyond its noir trappings, the film serves as a captivating character study, delving into the intricate psyches of its players. In this exploration, Schmitz crafts an absorbing narrative that lingers, resonating long after the credits roll.
The Other Laurens had its World Premiere in the Director’s Fortnight section of Cannes Film Festival 2023.
Director: Claude Schmitz
Writer: Claude Schmitz, Kostia Testut
Rated: NR
Runtime: 117m
The Other Laurens, with its runtime of 117 minutes, is like a slow burning fire. Its beautiful visuals, meticulously composed and bewitching to behold, draw us further into its world.
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GVN Rating 8
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It all started when I was a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons like the Spider-Man: Animated Series and Batman. Since then I’ve been hooked to the world of pop culture. Huge movie lover from French New Wave, to the latest blockbusters, I love them all. Huge Star Wars and Marvel geek. When I’m free from typing away at my computer, you can usually catch me watching a good flick or reading the next best comic. Come geek out with me on Twitter @somedudecody.