"Departure" follows an English mother, Beatrice, and her teenage son, Elliot, as they travel to the South of France to prepare their family's vacation home for sale. Over the course of a week, Elliot grapples with his burgeoning sexuality while Beatrice confronts the end of her marriage to Elliot's father, who harbors his own secret. Their lives are further complicated when an enigmatic local boy, Clement, quietly enters the scene. As mother and son confront their desires and emotions, their journey becomes a poignant exploration of the end of a marriage, the end of childhood, and the challenges.
Departure (2015)
“Departure” delves into the emotional and aesthetic journey of an English family in the South of France. Beatrice and her son, Elliot, are tasked with emptying and selling their family’s vacation home. Beatrice mourns the demise of her marriage, while Elliot, in the midst of adolescence, grapples with his own emotions. When Elliot encounters the captivating Clement, who is also dealing with personal turmoil, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. A triangle of desires and competing affections emerges, ultimately leading to cathartic revelations for the family. Set against a backdrop of myth and striking landscapes, “Departure” presents a story of self-discovery, love, and the challenges of familial relationships.
Departure: A Sensitive Journey Through the South of France, where Secrets Unravel and Personal Growth Takes Flight”
Review:
“Departure,” Andrew Steggall’s debut feature film, showcases promise in its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics, desire, and personal discovery. The film introduces us to Beatrice and her teenage son, Elliot, as they embark on a poignant journey in the South of France. The purpose of their trip is to prepare their family’s vacation home for sale, which symbolizes the end of a long-ailing marriage. Beatrice mourns the loss, while Elliot, consumed by the intensity of adolescence, struggles to navigate his own emotional landscape.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Elliot encounters Clement, a local boy dealing with his own personal turmoil. Beatrice and Elliot find themselves captivated by Clement’s enigmatic presence, leading to a complex interplay of emotions and desires. A triangle emerges, further highlighting the tensions within the family. The arrival of Philip, the emotionally distant husband and father, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.
“Departure” initially impresses with its emphasis on nuance and its delicate aesthetic sensibilities. The visuals, courtesy of cinematographer Brian Fawcett, often dazzle with their atmospheric beauty. The film’s production design, including the meticulously crafted interior spaces, demonstrates Steggall’s attention to detail. The sparse yet tasteful score by Jools Scott complements the emotional tones of the story.
However, as the film progresses, the balance between beauty and pretentiousness becomes strained. The dialogue, alternately spare and floridly literary, can veer into the realm of affectation. The characters’ introspection, while initially engaging, occasionally borders on self-indulgence, leaving the audience disconnected. Steggall’s exploration of Elliot’s self-absorbed and hypersensitive nature risks alienating viewers, despite Alex Lawther’s vivid portrayal.
Juliet Stevenson delivers a meticulous performance as Beatrice, but at times, she is burdened with overemphasizing frustrations that the script’s reserved nature fails to fully develop. The supporting cast, including Phenix Brossard as Clement, Finbar Lynch as Philip, and Niamh Cusack in a brief but capable role, adds depth to the narrative.
“Departure” is ultimately a thought-provoking film that examines themes of sexuality, love.While its artistic aspirations may not resonate with all viewers, it succeeds in capturing the nuances of human connection and the challenges of personal growth.
Departure (2015) – Gay film, Drama, Romance, 87 min, UK, France, directed by Andrew Steggall, with Juliet Stevenson, Alex Lawther, Phenix Brossard, Finbar Lynch, Niamh CUK, Franceck, Patrice Juiff
Keywords: Departure, Andrew Steggall, family dynamics, desire, self-discovery, adolescence, marriage, sexuality, South of France, emotional journey, aesthetics, beauty, pretentiousness, cinematography, production design, nuanced performances, personal growth.
