Watch Apres Lui

The 2007 French film "Apres Lui," or "After Him" in English, tells the emotional story of a mother grappling with the sudden loss of her only child. The movie stars renowned French actress Catherine Deneuve, who delivers a powerful performance as the grieving mother, Camille. The film opens with Camille and her adult son, Mathieu, enjoying a day out in the countryside. They have a close and loving relationship, but it is clear from the outset that Camille is somewhat over-protective of her son. When Mathieu leaves to use the restroom, Camille becomes uneasy and sets out to look for him. As she drives down a narrow road, she comes across an accident scene and realizes that Mathieu has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

From this point on, the movie follows Camille as she struggles to come to terms with her devastating loss. Deneuve delivers a raw and emotional performance, capturing the agony and despair that come with the sudden death of a loved one. She moves through grief, anger, and confusion as she tries to make sense of Mathieu's death and figure out how to move forward.

As Camille navigates the aftermath of the tragedy, she becomes increasingly curious about her son's life and the events that may have led up to his death. She discovers that Mathieu had been involved in a troubled relationship with a younger woman named Franck, played by Thomas Dumerchez. Franck is also struggling to cope with Mathieu's death, and he and Camille develop an unlikely bond as they both try to come to terms with their loss.

"Apres Lui" is a slow and introspective movie, emphasizing the emotional journey of its characters rather than a fast-moving plot. The film is primarily focused on Camille's grief, but it also explores the impact of Mathieu's death on other characters, such as Franck, Camille's ex-husband, and her estranged daughter. The movie delves into complex emotions such as guilt, regret, and jealousy, as the characters struggle to cope with their feelings of loss and tragedy.

Director Gaël Morel creates a somber and contemplative mood throughout the film, using subdued lighting and naturalistic cinematography to evoke the quiet beauty of the French countryside. The film's pacing is deliberate, with long moments of silence and introspection that allow the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' emotional lives.

One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Thomas Dumerchez, who plays Franck. His portrayal of a troubled and conflicted young man grappling with the aftermath of Mathieu's death is honest and nuanced, providing a contrast to Deneuve's more restrained and controlled portrayal of grief. Guy Marchand also delivers a strong performance as Camille's ex-husband, who is struggling with his own feelings of regret and guilt over the loss of their son.

Overall, "Apres Lui" is a deeply moving and introspective film that explores the complex emotions of grief and loss. Deneuve delivers a powerful performance in one of her most emotional roles, and the rest of the cast provides strong support. The film's slow pacing and emphasis on character development may not be for everyone, but those willing to take the journey with Camille will find a deeply poignant and affecting story.

Apres Lui is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.