Film Review: ‘Un Silence’ directed by Joachim Lafosse
Rating: ★★★★☆
“Un Silence,” directed by Joachim Lafosse and premiering at the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival, is a gripping drama that depicts a simmering fire beneath the ashes. It leads us to believe that the fire has been extinguished, but beneath the surface, it still burns. As the film unfolds, this fire intensifies, and we are witness to a tense drama, even though its appearance is as subdued as smoldering embers.
The film delves into a highly charged and contentious real-world issue: child pornography and sexual abuse. François Schaar, a prominent lawyer, has been defending a sensitive case related to child abuse for years, creating a stir in society. Gradually, we realize that he is shrouded in secrecy, concealing something, as the film’s climax reveals his involvement in child pornography and the sexual abuse of his own 17-year-old brother. This film underscores the gravity of its subject matter.
First and foremost, the cinematography and lighting in “Un Silence” are outstanding and masterfully executed. The cinematographer skillfully portrays dimly lit spaces, using minimal lighting sources like lamps and green and yellow hues to illuminate darkness, revealing hidden elements to the audience. The use of green and yellow lights serves as a motif, symbolizing the revelation and unveiling of a hidden past.
However, the film itself struggles to gradually unveil its narrative. Even at the 25-minute mark, the audience remains uncertain about the core storyline and the exact events transpiring.
Despite the passage of thirty years, Astrid, François’s spouse, remains cautious. She attempts to maintain a close relationship with her son to prevent him from gravitating towards the family patriarch, thereby protecting him. Her real intention is to shield him through an intimate mother-son bond.
The true heart of the tense drama, where the buried fire finally ignites, occurs at the 60-minute mark, when François is arrested, and his past comes to light as he faces trial.
The filmmaker uses “Un Silence” to sharply critique the French judicial system. However, the film could have harnessed its potential more effectively. One criticism lies in the initial scene where Astrid is in a police commissioner’s office, urged to reveal the truth and recall precise events. While this approach aligns with the film’s theme of secrecy and concealment, it might have been more compelling if the opening scene had been omitted, creating greater suspense and engaging the audience by delaying the revelation that is eventually unveiled in the film’s closing moments.
In conclusion, “Un Silence” is a thought-provoking and visually striking film that courageously tackles a highly sensitive and controversial topic. Its cinematography and use of lighting are praiseworthy, but some narrative choices may have hindered its potential impact. Nonetheless, it remains a significant exploration of hidden truths and the consequences of secrecy within the French judicial system.
