Frankie

Frankie is a multi-dimensional and nuanced film released in 2019, starring renowned French actress Isabelle Huppert and the gifted younger artists Sennia Nanua and Ariyon Bakare. Directed by the accomplished Ira Sachs, the film explores the intricacies of familial relationships, the pain beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic lives, and the profound meaning behind human connections. It doesn’t hesitate to delve into the bittersweet realities of life, presented with both subtlety and deep emotion.

Written by Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias, the narrative revolves around Frankie, played by Isabelle Huppert. She is a famous French actress who is grappling with a serious illness. As a way of facing her predicament, Frankie decides to gather her loved ones for one last holiday in Sintra, a picturesque town in Portugal known for its breathtaking sceneries, castles and gardens. The ensemble cast features a variety of characters all drawn together by their shared connection with Frankie – including her current husband, played by Brendan Gleeson, her son (Jérémie Renier) from a previous marriage, her stepdaughter, portrayed by Sennia Nanua, and her long-time friend, played by Marisa Tomei.

Isabelle Huppert, renowned for her luminous and fierce characters, deploys her talents to create a character complex yet likable. As Frankie, she is at the centre of a web of relationships, becoming the pillar holding together the various familial and personal dynamics of her entourage. Sennia Nanua, playing Frankie’s stepdaughter, and Ariyon Bakare, featuring as one of her close acquaintances, deliver compelling performances that augment the intensity of the film’s narrative.

The movie also boasts a unique narrative structure as the story meanders through beautiful Portuguese landscapes, intelligent dialogue and scenes filled with undercurrents of human emotion. It does not follow the traditional pattern of storytelling, instead it invites viewers to be a part of frank conversations, simmering tensions, and tender moments. The narrative is marked by its subtlety rather than dramatic revelations, and Sachs employs a slow and deliberate pacing that allows for complete immersion in the story.

Ira Sachs, known for his realist approach to cinema, again demonstrates his ability to depict life in all its messiness. His portrayal of relationships is authentic and non-glossy, steering clear from trite clichés about family and love. Instead, Sachs presents the viewers with tricky dynamics and unresolved issues, laying bare the complexity of human connections.

The film’s lucid cinematography and astonishing locales lend another dimension to the story. Sintra, with its misty hills shielding ancient castles and blue skies overhead, forms the backdrop to the family’s final holiday. The elegance and tranquillity of the landscape juxtapose and uplift the turbulence, creating a subtle contradiction that illustrates the interior chaos of the characters.

The movie is further elevated by its subtle sound score which complements the narrative beautifully. The music, consisting principally of ambient sound with a soft piano playing in the background, contributes to the overall serene atmosphere. Yet beneath this gentle exterior exists the quiet undercurrent of melodic tension resulting in an emotionally affecting cinematic experience.

Frankie is a film that doesn’t shy away from exploring complex emotions and relationships, making it a profound exploration of human life. It is a movie that champions honesty and authenticity over melodrama. It’s a poignant and deeply human film that provides an emotional journey while also subtly dealing with themes of mortality and legacy. Through it all, it’s Huppert’s grim, determined and resilient Frankie who captures the audience’s sympathies, leading them through a touching family saga that dwells more on what is left unsaid rather than what is spoken.

In conclusion, Frankie is a thought-provoking and deeply felt film that champions authenticity, exploring the complexities and intricacies of life, relationships, and human emotions. With Sachs directing an ensemble of gifted actors, led by the enigmatic Huppert, it is a moving cinematic tribute to life and its mercurial nature. It may not be for viewers seeking sentimental melodrama, but for those who appreciate cinema that portrays life as a blend of joy, fear, and tear-inducing reality, Frankie is a must-watch.