Director: Saul Dibb
Starring: Michelle Williams, Matthias Schoenarts, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Riley, Ruth Wilson and Margot Robbie
Certificate: 15
Special Features: The Cast / Production Design / The Book / The Story / The Look
Based on the bestselling novel written in secret by Irène Némirovsky in 1941, but only discovered fully 50 years later after being kept by her daughter, Suite Francaise is a moving tale of the struggles people faced during the German occupation in France and the huge risks some took in the name of others survival.
What’s particularly unique about this story is the authenticity of literally being written during World War II. This compelling re-telling on the small screen really brings forward the heart of the people within it. Nemirovsky’s words were originally believed to be an every day journal but what they actually reveal is a genuine insight into the domestic lives of regular people at the time in France and she also delves into another side of a world where the lines are blurred between the typical good and evil.
This era continues to be a favourable ground for differing angles of the stories that continue to appear and Saul Dibb’s direction leads us through a love story between Lucile (Michelle Williams) and German officer Bruno von Falk (Matthias Schoenaerts). For me, although it’s an obvious focus, there are bigger realities at work here that regard the morality of humanity alongside the obvious power struggles between men who wanted to fight and those who just enjoyed the power.
Williams is a strong lead as Lucille and her strength not only comes from her actions but also with her choices. The chemistry with Schoenarts is obvious and although the film occasionally flits away from breaking accents – sticking with English for the majority of events – once again I’m more interested in the story beneath. Kristin Scott Thomas is exceptional as Lucille’s Mother-in-law Madame Angellier, with further notable co-starring roles for Ruth Wilson, Sam Riley and Margot Robbie.
Sadly writer Némirovsky died in Auschwitz in 1942 and was unable to finish her stories but the reality beneath still definitely hits home. Under the covers of the tragedy of war is a tale of music and hope with Suite Francaise getting that story across to its audience in a powerful manner that’s both compelling and affective.
Suite Française is available now on digital download, Blu-ray and DVD to purchase.
