Film Review: ‘Gaby’s Hills’ directed by Zoé Pelchat-Ouellet
Rating: ★★★★☆
“Gaby’s Hills (Gaby les collines),” a film directed by Zoé Pelchat-Ouellet, stands out for its compelling exploration of the journey from girlhood to womanhood. Having premiered at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival and gaining further recognition at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2023), it has garnered notable nominations, including the Generation Kplus – Best Short Film award and the IMDbPro Short Cuts Award for Best Canadian Film.
The narrative unfolds against the enchanting backdrop of the Magdalen Islands, a place where Gaby, the protagonist, returns each summer to spend precious moments with her father. The film immerses viewers in the beauty of this locale, portraying Gaby’s genuine delight as she rediscovers the sea, reconnects with childhood friends, and admires the rolling hills on the horizon. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic setting, a significant transformation is taking place – Gaby is on the cusp of adolescence.
“Gaby’s Hills” is, at its core, a meditation on the delicate passage from girlhood to womanhood. Zoé Pelchat-Ouellet skillfully captures the nuances of this pivotal phase, emphasizing the physical changes that herald the arrival of maturity. These changes ripple through Gaby’s relationships, leaving her once-close childhood friend, Bugs, emotionally distant as he grapples with the shifting dynamics.
Symbolism flows throughout the film, with the soaring bird in the opening scene serving as a powerful allegory. This bird embodies the spirit of freedom and parallels Gaby’s own soaring journey into womanhood. Her collision with the bird, while engrossed in her headphones, poignantly symbolizes the abruptness of puberty’s onset, jolting her into a new reality.
Upon reuniting with her father after a year apart, Gaby yearns for the comforting familiarity of her past. However, Brigitte, her father’s partner, acts as a perceptive observer, highlighting Gaby’s growth and transformation. The clever analogy of growth, likening her to a carrot, underscores the film’s message of embracing womanhood and the changes it brings.
In a pivotal moment on the beach, Gaby takes a decisive step in her journey. Confronting boys who wield a small binoculars and objectify her body, she makes a profound choice. As she throws the binoculars towards the symbolic bird, this action represents not just a rejection but a collision with her own puberty, signifying her resolute stance against the objectification she has encountered. The bird, once a metaphor for her transition into womanhood, now embodies her rejection of its unwelcome implications, marking a powerful moment of self-assertion and defiance.
In a poignant scene, Gaby receives a beautiful feminine dress from Brigitte, accompanied by a note that reads, “A magical dress for a magical carrot.” This dress symbolizes more than just a change of attire; it embodies Gaby’s acceptance of her womanhood and her readiness to embrace the new phase of her life with grace and determination.
The screenplay of “Gaby’s Hills” is thought-provoking and deeply resonant, exploring themes of identity, growth, and societal expectations. Zoé Pelchat-Ouellet’s direction is commendable, weaving together a narrative that beautifully captures the nuances of this transformative phase of life.
In summary, “Gaby’s Hills” is a thought-provoking and visually captivating exploration of the intricate journey from girlhood to womanhood. It thoughtfully navigates the challenges and complexities of this transitional phase through rich symbolism and compelling storytelling. Zoé Pelchat-Ouellet’s direction and the film’s screenplay provide viewers with a profound glimpse into this transformative journey, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
