Gagarine

Set against the backdrop of the Parisian suburb of Ivry-sur-Seine, Gagarine (2020) offers an enthralling narrative that meshes the daunting realities of social housing projects with aspirations of outer space. This film is directed by Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh and stars Alseni Bathily, Lyna Khoudri, and Jamil McCraven. The narrative gravitates around the 'Cité Gagarine,' an iconic housing project named after the Russian astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, the first human being to venture into outer space.

Young and talented Alseni Bathily plays the role of Youri, a 16-year-old dreamer who has lived his entire life in the 'Cité Gagarine,' developing an unusual yet profound attachment to the red brick housing estate. Youri dreams of becoming a space astronaut and escaping his life's limitations. He inherits the name of the estate he lives in, as he imagines himself akin to Yuri Gagarin, hoping for an opportunity to soar above his social circumstances.

Alongside him, the engaging performances of Lyna Khoudri and Jamil McCraven help to push the narrative forward, creating a tapestry of lives intertwined with the fate of the housing project. Khoudri plays Diana, a naturalist and a dreamer of different material, whose aspiration and outlook complement Youri's vision. On the other hand, McCraven's character, Houssam, a realistic and 'earthbound' character, provides the contrasting friendship for Youri and helps balance his galaxy-trotting aspirations.

When the state decides to tear down the social housing project due to various reasons beyond the control of its many occupants, Youri's world faces a harsh, impending reality. This imminent demolition of the 'Cité Gagarine' is symbolic, not just as a loss of home for many, but a crushing blow to Youri's dreams and aspirations. Faced with this reality, Youri makes a rather whimsical and daring choice. He decides to stay on and work in secret, transforming the gradually emptying estate into his spaceship, a personal sanctuary that bridges the chasm between his dreams and reality.

Bathily's portrayal of Youri, a brave teenager living amidst socio-economic constraints, exhibits a remarkably humanistic appeal that draws the audience into his surreal yet emotionally resonant world. The charm of Gagarine (2020) lies in its brilliant blending of gritty realism with dreamy escapism, told through the lens of its protagonist. The commentary on social housing and the dreams and hopes of the people living there provides a profound undertone to the narrative, making it an inspiring human tale.

There's an almost magical realism in the way the directors use the concept of space and the universe. This cosmic backdrop isn't just a superficial layer but rather a metaphorical exploration of societal inequalities, dreams, despair, and hope. A water pipe that spews steam becomes the blast-off smoke from a rocket booster, a damaged light fixture transforms into a hub of cosmic energy, and the apartment building encapsulates an entire universe within.

The visual storytelling is compelling and poignant, with both dilapidation and a touch of whimsy hidden in every corner of the 'Cité Gagarine.' The color grading of the movie provides a haunting yet beautiful vibe that seamlessly portrays the mood of the narrative. The transformative journey of the housing estate into a faux-spacecraft encapsulates the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity and the power of dreams and imagination.

With a stirring musical score that enhances the film's atmospheric charm and a sound design that gets the imagination running, the cinematography in Gagarine (2020) evokes a profound sense of tragedy and dream-like wonder. The filmmakers' choice to mix realistic and fictional elements in the narrative creates memorable snapshots of life - close-ups of faces, stolen moments of joy, the beauty amid decay, and the anguish of loss.

In sum, Gagarine (2020) is a beautiful amalgamation of realism and dreamlike wonder that effortlessly narrates a touching tale of one teenager's uncompromising dreams amidst a crumbling reality. It's about hopes that refuse to bow down to harsh societal truths and the magic that resides in the most ordinary places. The film serves as a poignant reminder that beneath the worn-out facades of social housing projects are vibrant, dreaming individuals, yearning for something beyond their circumstances. It's their spirit, as much as Youri's, that truly takes flight in Gagarine.