Watch Mercuriales

Mercuriales is a 2014 French movie that explores the complex lives of two young women who work as cleaners, and the relationships they form. Starring Ana Neborac and Philippine Stindel as Sol and Lou, respectively, the film follows their journeys through a bleak Paris, as they go about their jobs, interact with the people around them, and strive to create better lives for themselves.

From the very beginning, Mercuriales establishes a sense of melancholy and isolation, as the camera follows Sol through the deserted streets of Paris, capturing the drab, gray atmosphere that surrounds her. The film takes its time to introduce the characters and their everyday routines, from cleaning offices to hanging out with friends, and it's only later on that the plot begins to reveal itself.

Sol and Lou's friendship is at the center of the movie, and it's a complicated one. Sol is the more reserved of the two, dealing with the weight of her past traumas, while Lou is more outgoing and wild, using her sexuality to get ahead in life. Despite their differences, the two women share a deep bond that sustains them through the hardships they face on a daily basis. We watch as they party together, have heart-to-heart conversations about their dreams and desires, and confide in each other about their most personal secrets.

As the film progresses, Mercuriales shifts its focus to the relationships that the women form with the men around them. Sol falls for a construction worker named Marek (Jad Solesme), who is also struggling with his own demons, while Lou becomes involved with a wealthy businessman who promises to take her away from her current life. While these relationships provide some moments of happiness for the women, they also lead to heartbreak and disappointment, as they navigate the complexities of human connection.

One of the most striking things about Mercuriales is its cinematography. Director Virgil Vernier uses wide shots and long takes to capture the beauty of the city and the emptiness that comes with being alone in a crowded place. The camera lingers on Sol and Lou as they walk, dance, and interact with the world around them, revealing their vulnerability and humanity in a way that feels intimate and raw.

The film also uses sound to great effect, with a haunting score by Pierre Desprats that creates an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere, and ambient sounds that add to the sense of immersion. The dialogue is sparse but effective, with the actors delivering their lines with a naturalness that makes the conversations feel authentic and believable.

Overall, Mercuriales is a powerful and poignant movie that offers a glimpse into the lives of young people struggling to make their way in a harsh, unforgiving world. Through its nuanced performances, stunning visuals, and thoughtful script, the film invites us to empathize with these characters, and to see ourselves reflected in their struggles and aspirations. Despite its bleakness, there is a sense of hope and resilience that permeates the film, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to be found.