Watch DNA

DNA is a French drama film from 2020 that explores the complex themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. The movie is directed by Maïwenn, who is known for her provocative and intimate storytelling, and stars Fanny Ardant, Louis Garrel, and Dylan Robert in leading roles. At the heart of DNA is the story of Neige (Maïwenn), a middle-aged woman who is grappling with a crisis of identity after her mother dies. Her mother, a famous photojournalist, was a formidable and domineering figure who had always overshadowed Neige's own creative aspirations. Neige is consumed by grief and guilt, feeling that she never truly knew her mother and that her own life is unfulfilled.

As Neige begins to sort through her mother's belongings, she discovers a trove of old photographs and a series of letters that reveal a shocking family secret. Neige's father, who died before she was born, was a sperm donor, and she has several half-siblings scattered throughout France. Neige is both fascinated and horrified by this revelation, feeling both liberated by the idea of newfound kinship and threatened by the disruption to her sense of self.

Neige embarks on a quest to meet her half-siblings, who range in age from teenagers to middle-aged adults. She travels to different parts of the country, seeking out these strangers who are connected to her through genetics but are otherwise complete strangers. Each encounter is a journey of self-discovery for Neige, exposing her to new facets of herself and forcing her to face uncomfortable truths about her own life.

Along the way, we meet a cast of complex and intriguing characters, including Garance (Fanny Ardant), a free-spirited hippie who had a brief fling with Neige's father; Kiki (Louis Garrel), a brooding musician who is struggling to find his place in the world; and Karim (Dylan Robert), a troubled young man who is dealing with his own struggles with identity and sexuality. Through these encounters, Neige grapples with questions of belonging, nature versus nurture, and the idea of family as a fluid and ever-evolving concept.

The film is shot in a raw and gritty style, with handheld cameras and natural lighting creating an intimate and immediate feel. The cast delivers strong performances overall, with Maïwenn anchoring the film with her nuanced portrayal of a woman at a crossroads in her life. Ardant, in particular, is a standout, bringing a warmth and wit to her role as the unconventional Garance.

Ultimately, DNA is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human, to be connected, and to find one's place in the world. It is a poignant reminder that our DNA may shape us in fundamental ways, but it is our experiences and relationships that truly define us. The film asks us to reflect on our own sense of identity, and to consider the ways in which our past and present intersect to create something unique and irreplaceable.