The Sower - Liked It

Starring: Pauline Burlet, Geraldine Pailhas, Alban Lenoir
Director: Marine Francen
Based upon the book by Violette Ailhaud
Runtime: 1 hour, 38 minutes

St. Louis Film Festival Film Review

Synopsis: Violette is old enough to get married when her village in the Lower Alps is cruelly deprived of all its men by the repression that followed the republican uprising of December 1851.

Violette (Pauline Burlet) among other women in a small village are living lives as best they can, and trying to help their small town flourish in the midst of no men. They’re working hard in the fields, tending to the animals, and basically doing everything so that they stay alive. One day, the women all make an oath with each other that if a man should arrive, they will share him so that the village can continue to grow with children.

When that man arrives, Jean (Alban Lenoir), it’s harder than they thought. At first, I was worried that this film was going to turn into The Beguiled, but it was truly just a romance movie. Jean sought the attention of Violette and soon the two fell in love. Remembering the oath the women made, Violette shares the love of her life with the other woman.

The film itself is wonderfully shot and I really thought the costumes and scenery were perfect for the times the story lives in. It really made me believe that this as happening in a small town in the French Alps. I thought the acting was good and I really believed in the romance that was blossoming on screen.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie and thought it was well shot and well thought out. I loved the romance of the movie! I’m going to give this film a “liked it” rating and would suggest to everyone to go see it this week at SLIFF. (4/5)

The Sower is playing on 02-Nov, 4:30pm at Plaza Frontenac and 06-Nov, 6:30pm at Plaza Frontenac. Click here to purchase tickets.