French Film Review: Vingt Dieux

At 18, Totone is a typical teenager, who likes to hang out with his friends in the Jura, drinking beer and going to parties. But the unexpected death of his father forces him to grow up overnight – after all, someone has to take care of his seven-year-old sister and find a way to make a living. At first, Totone struggles to cope with his new-found responsibilities and soon spirals into self-destruction, leading to reckless confrontations and dubious moral choices.

His unlikely salvation? An ambitious plan to craft the region’s finest Comté cheese and win the local agricultural competition’s €30,000 prize.

Louise Courvoisier’s debut feature film has been well received in France following its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, and praised for its nuanced, compassionate portrayal of rural life. Her sensitively written screenplay, co-written with Théo Abadie, carefully avoids moralising, presenting Totone’s flaws with empathy. Faveau’s performance is a standout, brilliantly capturing Totone’s raw edges and hidden vulnerability. Equally impressive is Garret’s portrayal of little sister Claire while the supporting cast, made up of non-professional actors from the Jura region, add to the film’s authenticity.

The film’s strength undoubtedly lies in its richly drawn setting, with Courvoisier employing her personal familiarity with Jura to create an immersive rural backdrop. This charming movie is a compelling exploration of youthful recklessness, responsibility and the resilience of family bonds. With its heartfelt storytelling and vivid sense of place, Vingt Dieux is a real treat.

Director: Louise Courvoisier

Starring: Clément Faveau, Luna Garret, Maïwène Barthelemy

From France Today Magazine