We Both

For many years, Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier) have lived next door to each other, maintaining - at least in appearance - a good neighborly relationship. But in truth, the two women have been bound by a deep love for a long time. A love that Madeleine still has to keep secret from her children, even at the age of 70. For her son and daughter, she plays the faithful widow who mourns a man Madeleine never really loved. Now the two women finally want to spend their twilight years together. But then fate throws a spanner in the works and for Nina a whole new, much more difficult struggle for Madeleine's love and a shared future begins.

"We Both" is a very special love story that makes you think, that makes you sad, but at the same time also goes very much to the heart without ever becoming cheesy. It is sad that two people have met who have found great love in each other, but are not allowed to live this out openly because of prejudices or social conventions. The story is not set in a prudish past, but in contemporary France.

The drama is carried by two great leading actresses. Martine Chevallier is convincing as a family mother who has chosen a life of lies and secrets for fear of disappointing her children. At her side, Barbara Sukowa shines, fighting for her love even in the face of seemingly insurmountable hurdles - no matter what the cost. Embedded in the sensitive staging by Filippo Meneghetti, the two deliver a strong and very authentic performance. It makes the love between the two older ladies seem so genuine and their story all the more poignant.

It is to Meneghetti's credit that he could not entirely avoid minor cliché traps here and there, but always refrained from overly striking moments. With subtle tenderness, he allows events to unfold until an ending that seems unambiguous, yet somehow remains open at the same time. "We Both" is a small, very beautiful film that, for all its drama and sadness, is above all a hopeful and life-affirming hymn to the power of love. And for that, it definitely gets a: Absolutely worth seeing!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp