The Last Days of Chez Nous

The Last Days of Chez Nous is a 1992 Australian drama film directed by Gillian Armstrong. The film tells the story of a family dealing with marital and familial problems, which leads to a series of conflicts and emotional upheavals.

The lead character, Beth (Lisa Harrow), is a successful author who lives in France with her French husband, JP (Bruno Ganz), and their two daughters. When Beth's younger sister, Vicki (Kerry Fox), arrives from Australia to stay with them, tensions arise between the two sisters as they confront their different life choices.

Vicki is a free-spirited, sexually liberated woman who is studying filmmaking in Australia. She is living in a youth hostel in Paris and working on a film with her Australian boyfriend. Vicki's presence in the comfort of Beth's family home causes a stir in the household, especially when she starts an affair with JP.

The film deals with themes of infidelity, family conflict, and the challenges of love, and these themes are explored through the complex relationships among the characters. Beth and JP's marriage is strained, and she feels neglected and unwanted by her husband as he becomes increasingly involved with Vicki. Beth's concerns about her marriage and JP's feelings for Vicki become more evident, leading to an explosive confrontation.

Throughout the film, there are moments of intense emotion and drama punctuated by lighter moments of humor and playfulness. The Last Days of Chez Nous is ultimately a film about the complexity of human relationships and the challenges of family life, set against the backdrop of a beautiful French countryside.

The film's performances are strong and nuanced, with Lisa Harrow and Kerry Fox giving particularly impressive performances. Harrow's portrayal of Beth is nuanced and layered, conveying the complexity of her character with a deft touch.

Fox, meanwhile, is captivating as Vicki, bringing a sense of vitality and freedom to her character that contrasts sharply with the more restrained characters around her. Bruno Ganz also delivers a solid performance as JP, capturing the nuances of a man caught between two women.

The Last Days of Chez Nous is a film that explores important themes with sensitivity and intelligence. It is a moving and thought-provoking drama that offers insight into the challenges of contemporary family life, and it is sure to resonate with viewers who have experienced similar challenges in their own lives.

All in all, The Last Days of Chez Nous is a powerful and engaging film that is well worth watching for anyone interested in family dramas or nuanced storytelling.