Ma Belle, My Beauty

Ma Belle, My Beauty is a 2021 cinematic gem directed by Marion Hill with a captivating cast comprising Idella Johnson, Hannah Pepper, and Lucien Guignard. This thought-provoking work of art, deeply rooted in the complexities of human relationships, delivers a refreshing take on the romance genre.

Ma Belle, My Beauty is set in a visually stunning backdrop of sun-drenched Southern France. The palatial surroundings, the picturesque view of the vineyards, and the tranquility of the countryside play into the narrative elegantly, turning it into a pivotal character. The protagonist room to breathe and exist, rather than just merely moving through the plot.

Idella Johnson steps into the shoes of Bertie, a gifted yet introverted jazz singer dealing with an unforeseen creative block. Living willingly in isolation, her world is turned upside down when an old friend and lover, Lane, played by Hannah Pepper, resurfaces. Lily, a character brought to life by Hannah Pepper, was once a part of Bertie and her now-husband's Fred (Lucien Guignard) polyamorous relationship in the past back stateside. Now, the past and present are set on a collision course, leading to a complex canvas of emotions, relationships, heartbreak, and shared history that defies conventional storytelling.

The plot then traces the negotiation of these relationships, the uncovering of old wounds, and the dynamics of polyamory, a theme that is often underexplored in mainstream cinema. Marion Hill does a splendid job of navigating the story with grace and subtlety, refraining from falling into stereotypical problematic clichés associated with polyamorous love arcs. The undercurrent of tension never lets go as the film raises pertinent questions about love, desire, companionship, jealousy, and possession.

The performances of the cast add another dimension to the film. Idella Johnson, as Bertie, brilliantly portrays the depth and the journey of a complex character caught between her past and present. Hannah Pepper's performance as Lane is equally compelling, showing tenacity and vulnerability as she tries to navigate her feelings. Lucien Guignard, as Fred, delivers a nuanced performance, telling the tale of a character grappling with his feelings for the two women in his life.

Suspending itself between multiple genres, Ma Belle, My Beauty transcends the traditional boundaries of filmmaking to communicate a tale of human emotional topography. The director’s delicate touch is all over the movie, managing to walk that tightrope between exploring relationships sensitively and steering clear from melodrama. Hill creates a captivating texture of film buoyed by relationships, romance, and realism.

Intricate conversations around sexuality, consent, and possession are knitted without being obtrusive. The dialogue is cutting-edge, and combined with an enthralling jazz soundtrack, does an excellent job of drawing viewers into the characters' evolving relationships and emotions. Hill navigates these conversations with sensitivity and grace, dodging tropes and creating a tender and raw narrative that leaves the viewer reflecting long after the credits have rolled.

An element of Ma Belle, My Beauty that can’t go unnoticed is its cinematography. The visual love affair between the camera and Southern France completes the narrative. The subtle beauty of the rural French landscape complements the less tangible delicate aspects of the film. Cinematographer Lauren Guiteras masterfully captures soft sun-drenched moments and intimate scenes between the characters, as well as Bertie’s raw and unfiltered performances that resonate with emotion.

Ma Belle, My Beauty is a suggestive exploration of polyamory, connection, and the complexities of human relationships. It’s a movie that engages the viewers with its characters, scenery, music, and deep emotional undercurrents while posing questions and starting conversations that linger long after the film finishes. Every frame of this film is drenched in realism and authenticity, marking it as one of the most stimulated articulations of relationships in recent cinematic memory. It’s cinema that's subtly bold and quiet, yet it speaks volumes.