Holy Cow
A teenage boy has to grow up fast after his father dies in this finely observed and deeply charming coming-of-age drama set in rural France
In rural France, a young man’s life is thrown off track when his father dies suddenly. Left to parent his sister and provide for the family, he turns to the profession his dad dedicated his life to – cheesemaking.
In Louise Courvoisier’s debut feature, she crafts a coming-of-age story that's sensitive yet visceral. Dirt and grime coat arms and faces, bloody grazes ooze after fist fights, ropes are heaved and truckles hammered. Characters are often framed through thresholds and doorways – Totone (Clément Favreau) and his kid sister Claire (Luna Garret) are walking through borders of worlds old and new, starkly leaving behind versions of themselves they won’t meet again.
As the underdog, Totone identifies the ultimate grift to turn their fortunes around – with a prize of 30,000 euros on offer, the local Comté cheese competition could be the solution to all their problems. While this provides a framework for the unfolding action, Totone’s arc is imbued in contrasting elements symbolising his sharp entry to adulthood. Cool mist in the remote mountains is interspersed with the warmth of the sun gilding gentle halos around young love, and coarse strings punctuating quiet moments alongside the disco synth that soundtracks his friendships.
Courvoisier and co-screenwriter Théo Abadie resist traditional narrative dots, subverting to deliver a satisfyingly truthful conclusion. Just like the product he’s begged, borrowed and stolen to make, Totone also needs more time to mature, though he has overcome significant barriers already, leaving room enough for hope.
Released 11 Apr by CONIC; certificate 15
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