Water Lilies, by first time director Céline Sciamma, is a skilfully crafted portrayal of two girls’ sexual awakening. Late developer Marie becomes infatuated with the head of the synchronised swimming club, Floriane, who in contrast to the slight and boyish girl, oozes sexuality. The pair begin a complex relationship centred around Floriane’s quest to gain sexual experience. Envy, passion, obsession and insecurity all rage beneath the surface as the two struggle with their feelings for each other. The film captures the confusion and turmoil of adolescence through its subtle observational camerawork, visuals which delicately insinuate the throbbing sexual undertones and a loosely defined soundtrack. Restrained dialogue allows for uncomfortable emotions to develop and adds to the claustrophobic tension which pervades the film. There is also no role for adults; its complete focus is the isolating, all-encompassing significance of adolescent pain. This is a beautifully directed and empathetic film which tells its story with confident sophistication.
During one summer in a new Parisian suburb, the paths of 15 year-olds Marie, Anne and Floriane cross in the corridors at the local swimming pool, where love and desire make a sudden, dramatic appearance. Set in the competitive world of synchronised swimming, this is a brilliantly observed portrait of female adolescence.
The directorial debut of 27 year-old Céline Sciamma, Water Lilies premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard, where Sciamma and her young cast were widely hailed as among the most talented newcomers to emerge from the festival.
Lust, Caution
MovieMail Latest
RSS Feeds | Podcast | October Film Catalogue | Subscribe to our email newsletter!
Water Lilies
