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Yes, But...

Yes, But... poster

Yes, But...

2001104 min.

Where to Watch Yes, But...

Yes, But... is a stirring, nuanced French dramedy film that promptly rockets its characters into a world of messy emotions and psychological introspection. Set in the present world of harsh realities and uncertain futures, this film heavily revolves around mental health and uses it as a firm launchpad to produce a set of colorful characters who are not just believable in their traumas, but hugely relatable too.

Expertly directed by Yves Lavandier, the man behind multiple European critical success, Yes, But... brings together a remarkable ensemble cast that includes Emilie Dequenne, Gerard Jugnot, and Alix de Konopka. The nuanced acting, intricate storytelling, and comic timing of these actors will immerse you into a world which, although inherently complicated and conflicted, still manages to reflect upon the simplicity of life and relationships.

The film offers a close look into the life of 17-year-old Eglantine Laville, masterfully embodied by Emilie Dequenne, who is dealing with the complex dynamics of her family and the general uncertainty of adolescence. Already weighed down by the emotional insensitivities of her father and her boyfriend’s lack of understanding, Eglantine seeks help from Moenner (Gerard Jugnot), a quirky yet wise, compassionate, and experienced family therapist.

Moenner, with his peculiar ways, unconventional methods, and an objective eye to assess the situation, helps Eglantine unravel the layers of the confusion and dilemmas she's wrapped in. The sessions turn out to be insightful, not just for Eglantine but also for the audience, as they tickle the underlying issues of family relationships, sexual discovery, and the struggles of mental health in contemporary society.

Throughout the movie, Eglantine toggles between denial and acceptance, juggling with her eagerness to grow up fast, her first sexual experiences, and her denial to take her issues seriously. Dealing with the chaos inside her, she tries to reassess her life while maintaining the equilibrium between her family, relationships, and her personal growth. Her journey fleshes out teenage complexities that are universally appealing and touching.

Gerard Jugnot, as Moenner, delivers an outstanding performance replete with wisdom, wit, and a touch of eccentricity. His character serves as the guiding light, turning the wheel for Eglantine towards liberation, acceptance, and maturity. He provides a grounded counterbalance to the imploding world of Eglantine and is an instrumental figure in her personal development.

Alix de Konopka excellently adapts to her role as Eglantine's mother, who, being equally entangled in her world of denial and pretensions, opposes her daughter consulting a therapist due to the social stigma attached to it. Her character subtly points out society's negligence and the lack of understanding regarding mental health.

Yes, But... is like a mirror held up to society, reflecting our attitudes and understanding of mental health issues, specifically within teenagers. It creates a pink-tainted, coming-of-age drapery where Eglantine struggles to maintain her sanity within her personal haven, comprising her quirky therapist, her fumbling parents, and her innocence and rebellion as a raw teenager.

The treatment of mental health issues in the movie is commendable, focusing equally on the professional approach and the need for family support in dealing with such complexities. Director Lavandier emphasizes the need of the hour - to address mental health - and paints a beautiful picture using compelling performances, expert dialogue, and a sharply resonant sense of humor.

The movie does a brilliant job of reflecting the ebbs and flows of life. It perfectly walks the fine line of hilarity and intense drama while managing to beautifully weave the narratives into a compelling story. Although the film delves into the world of psychotherapy, it never falls into the trap of being heavily jargonized or taking itself too seriously. It also showcases an important message that anyone and everyone can benefit from therapy without making it seem like a daunting or stigmatized process.

Yes, But… captures the nuances of confusions of the teenage years, absorbing the view that growing up is not easy, and the journey to self-discovery is long and taxing, but essential. Encased in a layer of easy humor and witty one-liners, the movie is a delightful watch that will leave you with introspective thoughts, encouraging self-examination.

In conclusion, Yes, But... is a fascinating blend of engaging characters, incredible performances, smart scriptwriting and meaningful takeaways about mental health and personal growth. It is not just a film about a teenager and her therapist; it's a saga that explores the struggles, the chaos, the embarrassment, and the little triumphs of growing up, making it a timelessly relatable and deeply resonant classic.

2001104 min.
Director
Yves Lavandier
Stars
Emilie Dequenne, Gerard Jugnot, Alix de Konopka
Genres
Comedy