Watch Suite Francaise

Set in rural France during World War II, Suite Française is a beautifully crafted period-piece that portrays the complexities of war and love. The film follows the novel of the same name by Irène Némirovsky, which was discovered almost 60 years after the author's death in a concentration camp. The plot centers around the German occupation of France, specifically in the small town of Bussy. German soldiers, led by a reserved Lieutenant Bruno von Falk (Matthias Schoenaerts), frequently appear on the screen and are quick to establish their dominance. Contrarily, the townspeople remain steadfast, both in their beliefs and in their fight against the German army.

The film's lead protagonist is a young and beautiful French woman named Lucile Angellier (Michelle Williams). She resides with her controlling and vindictive mother-in-law (Kristin Scott Thomas) in a sprawling estate. They are considered part of the aristocracy of Bussy, who have mostly managed to survive the war thus far through several cutthroat measures.

Lucile's life soon takes an unexpected turn when the occupying German army requisitions her home to house a handsome, refined German officer, Lieutenant Bruno von Falk, who quickly proves to be unlike the other German soldiers. Lucile initially resents the presence of the German officer, but as he and Lucile begin to spend more time together, old feelings of love and passion are reignited, leading to a morally complex and emotionally charged series of events.

Meanwhile, Lucile's self-absorbed and adulterous husband (Tom Schilling) is captured by Germans and sent to a prisoner of war camp. Lucile is forced to navigate the complexities of the war and her relationships without the support of a male figure within her immediate vicinity. This becomes increasingly challenging when her mother-in-law and others in the town begin to target her for collaborating with Germans.

The film artfully balances themes of love and war, illustrating the complexities and contradictions that arise between the two. Lucile's story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, mirroring the tragedy and resilience of war itself.

The performances of the lead actors are outstanding. Michelle Williams brings a great sense of vulnerability to the role of Lucile, creating a character who is both fragile yet resilient. Kristin Scott Thomas is masterful in playing the despicable mother-in-law who simultaneously evokes a sense of pathos. Margot Robbie is also noteworthy in her portrayal of a farmer's daughter, Celine, whose relationship with a German soldier leads to tragic consequences.

The cinematography of Suite Française is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of the French countryside while contrasting it with the horrors of war. The movie features an impressive score from composer Rael Jones, which lends weight to the emotional beats of the film.

While the film is a fantastic adaptation of Irène Némirovsky's book, it does leave several open threads that may leave viewers feeling slightly unsatisfied. However, this is likely intentional, as the actual novel was never completed due to the author's untimely death. The film still remains a powerful portrayal of the complexities of war and love, and will leave an impression long after the closing credits.

In conclusion, Suite Française is a beautiful film that expertly captures both the beauty and heartbreak of war. The performances of the lead cast, the stunning cinematography, and the emotional score make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. For fans of period pieces or those interested in World War II movies, Suite Française is a must-watch.

Suite Francaise is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 63.