by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Are you able to forgive and forget? Forgiveness can be a challenging thing to provide. I think it is human nature to hold on to things, and hold grudges. One of the most important aspects of religious faith (especially Christianity) is forgiveness. We ask for forgiveness when we do something wrong — growing up as a Roman Catholic certainly instilled that in me. But it can also depend on the act that needs forgiving. If it is small, it is considerably easier to move on from. But something that has changed your life forever… that can be something so much harder to let go.
What is the act that begs forgiveness at the center of writer/director Ellie Foumbi’s new French thriller, Our Father, the Devil? Oh, it is something REAL hard to forgive. The setup of the film finds Marie (Babetida Sadjo) in an isolated and tranquil mountain in the south of France. She is a refugee making a good life as the head chef at a retirement facility. But her life gets turned upside down when a priest arrives in town. Who is this priest? The former warlord who destroyed Marie’s life and so much more back home. Yeah… hard to forgive. One kidnapping later, and we are set on the edge of our seats for this thrilling ride.
What aspect of this film is the most important? Sadjo’s performance. She gives a towering performance that is packed full of emotion and feeling. At the beginning of the film, Marie is enjoying her existence, and Sadjo channels her charisma and charm to make her such a likable and engaging lead. We also see how she develops friends with her coworkers, like Nadia (Jennifer Tchiakpe) and one of the residents of the home. But the second she sees this priest who did so much harm to her, Sadjo is able to skillfully take this character in new directions. There is pain and anger boiling in almost every moment. There is a vulnerability and rage in her as she tortures this man for his sins against her. The priest is also brought to life by a fantastic and layered performance by Souleymane Sy Savanna. He challenges the audience to believe if this can truly be a different man or not.
How about the journey that his film takes us on? There are twists and turns that make this such an effective thriller. There are haunting moments of how far Marie will push herself to punish this man. Foumbi expertly utilizes nuance and subtlety: She shows the violence in pieces, and hides the “action” to help build suspense. One moment shows the outside of the secluded house as we hear struggles and crashing, and must wait to find out who has taken the upper hand. There is plenty of drama that the film delivers as well, but it is the thrills that really deliver. There is one intimate scene that packs an extra punch. There is a subplot where Marie is connected with a local bartender, and they share a beautiful and moving scene of intimacy, which avoids exploitative moments, and delivers a tender and impactful experience. The film balances these emotions so well, even up to its final moments, where we are on the verge of horrific violence and an emotional tidal wave.
With the thrills and emotion aside, what does this film have to say about forgiveness and remorse? Each of our two main characters in the film represent these ideas. Marie is challenged to pick forgiveness over revenge. There are plenty of moments where others in her life encourage faith and forgiveness to live a better life. The forgiveness can help her move forward past this (which is an idea the best films about faith are able to convey, too). The priest represents remorse. Can this man change and become a different and better person? Will he get past the horrors he created to do good in the future? This traumatic experience puts this character in a place to see if he can evolve past his violence and hate. This film takes on these ideas in a raw and impactful way.
Does Our Father, the Devil deliver the impact and emotion that this story needs? This just might be one of the most shocking film experiences you have all year. The themes are rich and poignant. The central performance is moving and one of the best of the year. It is a great addition to modern French cinema.
Score: 10/10
Our Father, the Devil is currently playing in limited theaters
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