One of cobblestone streets in Paris, everyone a beret-wearing, baguette-carrying fashion icon.
To be fair, the unrealistic and glamourised depiction of France via the reductive lens of Emily in Paris did nothing to help.
But, like many nations, France is a complex melting pot with a tumultuous history, mainly due to its colonial past. Being French isn’t a one-size-fits-all identity. The nation’s identity could be represented with a complicated, diverse tapestry with many layers, woven together with lots of different perspectives and cultures.
Recently, I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a movie that perfectly captured the delicate essence of the country I am from, called Divines.
Despite its well-deserved acclaim at the Cannes film festival in 2016 (and many other film festivals), it somehow flew under my radar.
The film is not only masterfully crafted, but also introduced a wave of exceptionally talented actors whose out-of-this-world performances shot them to stardom.
Divines offers a gripping narrative and brilliant performances, while also delivering a perfect yet unapologetic portrayal of French societal complexities.
Set against the backdrop of the gritty suburbs, the movie follows the steps of Dounia (Oulaya Amamra), a young girl with a head full of dreams. Amamra delivers an exceptional performance that not only captures the character’s vulnerability but also showcases her resilience in the face of adversity.
Dounia’s best friend, Maimouna (Déborah Lukumuena) keeps her in check, but soon, they both unwillingly embark on a transformative journey that will change them forever.
Beyond its thrilling narrative and performances, Divines is a coming-of-age gem.
Director Houda Benyamina’s clinical eye for detail and innovative storytelling elevate the film to a cinematic experience that will linger with you long after the credits roll. The film’s ability to seamlessly blend gritty realism with delicate moments of poetic beauty is a testament to Benyamina’s talents.
Divines is a breath of fresh air in a landscape of movies with predictable narratives. It blurs the lines between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ and challenges viewers to question their own preconceived ideas on the complexities of life.
If you are looking for a cinematic experience that is impactful, excruciatingly beautiful, yet unforgettable, then Divines is just for you.
Divines is available on Netflix.
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