The film follows Tom, a 15-year-old who dreams of having an older sibling. His wish is granted when Félix, the son of his mother's friend, arrives unexpectedly and becomes a wonderful older brother figure to Tom and his curious younger sister Bertille. As the summer vacation progresses, Félix introduces Tom to a world of forbidden pleasures, including liquor, drugs, and sex.
Exploring the Boundaries of Brotherly Love in the French Film Industry
A Brother (2018)
A Brother: A Coming-of-Age Story of Love, Desire, and Brotherhood
French directors Victor Habchy and Martin Escoffier push the boundaries of brotherhood in their film, A Brother. Despite the taboo subject matter of an older brother teaching his younger sibling about sex, the film is a charming and innocent celebration of love, desire, and brotherhood.
The film follows Tom, a 15-year-old who dreams of having an older sibling. His wish is granted when Félix, the son of his mother’s friend, arrives unexpectedly and becomes a wonderful older brother figure to Tom and his curious younger sister Bertille. As the summer vacation progresses, Félix introduces Tom to a world of forbidden pleasures, including liquor, drugs, and sex.
While Tom is hesitant to indulge in Félix’s hedonistic activities, he slowly begins to explore his sexuality and desires. The film delicately captures the complexities of adolescent sexuality and the boundaries between brotherly love and romantic love.
The performances of Simon Royer as Tom and Marin Lafitte as Félix are nuanced and captivating, perfectly conveying the emotional turmoil and confusion of adolescence. Oriane Barbaza’s portrayal of Bertille is equally impressive, adding a layer of innocence and curiosity to the film.
Habchy and Escoffier’s direction is masterful, capturing the beauty and sensuality of the French countryside while also conveying the emotional intensity of the story. The film’s cinematography and score are also noteworthy, adding to the overall ambiance and mood of the film.
15-year-old Tom (Simon Royer) is going to spend another calm summer with his parents and younger sister at their summer house. But by fate, another family comes to spend some time with them, with their 17-year-old son Félix (Marin Lafitte). In the unforgettable summer, Félix will introduce Tom to new things…
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