Milla

In 2017, French filmmaker Valerie Massadian gave the cinema scene a thoughtful and refreshing take on storytelling with the compelling movie, Milla. A unique and bold independent film set in a small seaside town in Northern France, Milla weaves together a rich tapestry of love, grief, maternity, and survival. The film stars Severine Jonckeere in the title role with Luc Chessel and Ethan Jonckeere, bringing together stirring performances that melt effortlessly into the unadorned settings and naturalistic direction.

Milla, the eponymous character, is a young woman teetering on the knife’s edge of womanhood who finds herself in a precarious romantic relationship with Leo (Luc Chessel), a low-wage worker. The role of Milla is a tour de force by Severine Jonckeere, who brings an authentic nous to the character, offering the viewers a window into her world. Her gritty and genuine depiction of a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of life forms the heart of this narrative. Jonckeere's real-life son, Ethan, also joins in a significant role, further adding to the authentic and raw vibe of the film.

The intimacy between Milla and Leo forms the early charm of the film, as the audience finds itself weaved into the narrative of their shared existence. The couple takes shelter in an abandoned home in a small seaside town. They rely on small, transient jobs to sustain themselves – their lives and love captured intimately by Massadian’s keen lens, as they learn and grow through trying circumstances.

The film then takes an emotional turn as Milla finds herself pregnant. The narrative unfolds gracefully as viewers glimpse through a sobering, realistic insight into her journey into motherhood. Yet, the movie never fully sinks into a maudlin tone. It masterfully maintains its rhythm, reflecting the organic rhythm of life itself - which is rarely neat or predictable, maintaining a deep respect for the harsh realities of life.

The cinematography deserves a mention, as it beautifully illustrates the starkness of the northern French landscape, parallel to Milla's journey. Unyielding and raw, the landscape doesn't merely serve as a backdrop but breathes life to the struggles, victories, and mundanities of the protagonists’ lives. Massadian’s skillful direction leaves generous room for viewers to contemplate the world she crafts.

Misfortune arrives as expected, but the way it is handled could be surprising for viewers who are accustomed to Hollywood's high-octane drama. The plot threads are tied together seamlessly, illuminated by the director's penchant for subtlety and evocative storytelling. The film quietly evolves amidst the changing dynamics of relationships and personal growth, echoing the emotional intensity through routine daily tasks and serene landscapes that carry a haunting beauty.

Ethan Jonckeere, the young actor who plays Milla's son, further elevates the screenplay's authenticity and emotional depth. As Milla's son grows, the viewers grow with him and Milla, experiencing their struggles, survival and the astounding resilience of human life. The narrative focuses on their life, underscoring a touching exploration of love, loss, maternity, and survival.

At its heart, "Milla" is an ode to the strength of the human spirit – it is about a young pregnant woman's journey into motherhood, about life's fragilities and the resilience of ordinary individuals braving extraordinary circumstances. "Milla" is a masterclass in minimalistic storytelling, an eloquent, unpretentious and poignant exploration into the complexities of human nature.

Deeply personal and moving, "Milla" nevertheless retains an engaging realism that is hard to deny. The performance by Severine Jonckeere is deeply riveting – as raw and heartbreakingly authentic, showcasing a vivid portrait of womanhood, youth, love, and survival. This combined with Massadian's unique storytelling and the candid exploration of its themes ensures that "Milla" is bound to linger in the audience's hearts long after the curtains have fallen.

"Milla" is not just a movie – it is an experience brought to life by Valerie Massadian's visionary direction. A film that demands patience, rewards with deep emotion, and leaves you contemplating the beauty and complexities of ordinary human lives. This film carries an enduring legacy in the cinematic world with its stark cinematography, engrossing narrative, and powerful performances by the cast. It is a compelling piece showcasing a slice of life in all of its raw beauty and harsh reality.