LakshmiMathyas (Felix-Antoine Duval), a burned-out advertising executive from Montreal, relocates to the French Alps to become a shepherd. Director Sophie Deraspe’s latest feature film will definitely make you question everything— from your identity to your inner strength.
Based on the 2006 semi-autobiographical book D’où viens tu, berger? by Quebecois writer Mathieu Lefebvre, Sophie’s cinematic version artfully captures the essence of the renowned roman à clef. After battling the uncertainty associated with an existential crisis, Mathieu abandoned his successful career in marketing in real life to become a shepherd in the historical province of southeastern France— Provence.
In today’s world of absolute unpredictability of life, climate, pandemics and people, the echo of this movie rings true as it mirrors the precariousness of the present.
In the movie, the protagonist, Mathyas, abandons his bustling city life and confidently travels to a small village in Provence in search of employment. Specifically seeking to become a sheep herder, he mingles with the senior herders, who assist him in securing an apprentice position.
His distinct revelations in different scenarios, however, show that his adaptation to his new life is not without its challenges. He has to deal with immigration issues as he literally showed up without a valid work permit. He is fortunate to meet Élise (Solène Rigot), a civil servant who becomes enchanted by his tales of pastoral life. On the other hand, as a new shepherd, he is forced to confront the temperaments of his new boss and other personalities on the farm. Not to mention, the hardships of watching the sheep suffer sometimes.
Eventually, after a long exchange of handwritten letters, Élise unexpectedly joins him on his adventures and together, they commit to a life as shepherds on the mountainside. The story follows their journey as they deal with the benefits and shortcomings associated with this seemingly flawless life in the countryside, including climatic conditions, different personalities who they work for and the challenges of handling the innocent herds of sheep.
Violence and death are inevitable in nature, but the silver lining is proven through the presence of compassion, empathy and respect. This truth is beautifully captured by Sophie, who dexterously navigates through unavoidable hardships and irrevocably mesmerizing moments, especially notable during scenes where the turmoil within Mathyas is reflected in the climatic turbulence in the mountainside.
This one is a no-brainer— you need to watch it for your well-being, trust me. It reminds you of an important four-letter word- Hope.
Lakshmi
