This classic French film is the antithesis of trite rom-coms. Amelie it ain’t.
Angelique (Audrey Tautou) is a fine arts student in love with Loic (Samuel Le Bihan) a much older cardiologist. Angelique is absolutely smitten, and desperately wants him to leave his pregnant wife. She’s an intially charming young woman, popular and well- liked, if a little flaky.
Valentine’s Day tropes are put through the shredder though- the symbolism of hearts and flowers are given new depth- when it emerges that there are two sides to the story.
So the unreliable narrator/ dual perspectives device is taken to its logical conclusion, in a first sweet, then menacing and knotty twist.
It is lovely to see the luminous Tautou subvert her doe-eyed Pollyanna image as the film enfolds, becoming a pacy psychological study in erotomania.
There are wonderful performances across the board, effortlessly directed by young film maker Laetitia Colombani, a lot of wit, and a conclusion that is both equal parts chilling and hilarious.In short, it’s the perfect film to rid yourself of Valentine’s gooey clichés. These chocolates contain razor blades.
Hit The North 