New Movies: Bonjour Tristesse (2024) by Durga Chew-Bose: A Summer of Reckoning on the French Riviera

Core Summary

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is a romantic drama and coming-of-age film directed and written by Durga Chew-Bose, marking her feature directorial debut. Adapted from Françoise Sagan's iconic 1954 novel, the film transports viewers to the height of summer on the French seaside. It centers on 18-year-old Cécile, who is enjoying an idyllic, carefree existence with her charismatic, playboy father, Raymond, and his latest companion, Elsa. However, their hedonistic world is abruptly turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of Anne, an enigmatic and sophisticated friend of Cécile's late mother. Anne's presence, marked by her elegance and moral rectitude, clashes sharply with their bohemian lifestyle, leading to a complex web of desires, jealousies, and manipulations that ultimately ignite tragic consequences. The film explores themes of youth, self-awareness, desire, and the painful transition into adulthood.

Short Summary

Durga Chew-Bose's Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is a romantic drama set on the French Riviera, where 18-year-old Cécile's carefree summer with her father is shattered by the arrival of her late mother's friend, Anne. This triggers a web of desires and manipulations that lead to tragedy, exploring youth's painful awakening.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27774999/

Link Review: https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/bonjour-tristesse-review-francoise-sagan-novel-new-adapation-1235040781/

About movie: https://greenwichentertainment.com/film/bonjour-tristesse/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/bonjour-tristesse-2025-0 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/bonjour-tristesse-2025-0 (Canada)

Detailed Summary

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is a romantic drama and coming-of-age film that serves as the feature-length directorial and screenwriting debut for Durga Chew-Bose, a Canadian writer known for her distinctive voice. The film is a modern adaptation of Françoise Sagan's sensational 1954 novel of the same name, which Sagan famously wrote at just 18 years old.

• Release and Recognition: The film had its world premiere in the Discovery program at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where Durga Chew-Bose was honored with the TIFF Emerging Talent Award. It received a limited theatrical release in the US on May 2, 2025, distributed by Greenwich Entertainment, and will be available on VOD and digital platforms starting June 13, 2025.

• Setting the Scene: The story unfolds during an idyllic summer on the French seaside. Cécile (Lily McInerny), an 18-year-old, enjoys a seemingly carefree and unstructured life with her charming, bohemian father, Raymond (Claes Bang), and his current lover, Elsa (Naïlia Harzoune). Cécile is also falling in love with her new boyfriend, Cyril (Aliocha Schneider). Their existence is marked by a certain languor and indulgence.

• The Catalyst: The tranquil atmosphere is dramatically disrupted by the arrival of Anne (Chloë Sevigny). Anne is an enigmatic, sophisticated artist and fashion designer, and a close friend of Cécile's late mother. Her buttoned-up demeanor, distant gaze, and more rigid moral compass contrast sharply with the relaxed, hedonistic lifestyle of Cécile and Raymond.

• Clash of Worlds and Manipulation: Anne's presence rekindles a buried romance with Raymond, leading to the gradual displacement of Elsa. This shift, combined with Anne's attempts to instill a sense of discipline and responsibility in Cécile, creates a volatile dynamic. Cécile, fiercely protective of her carefree summer and her unique bond with her father, begins to feel threatened by Anne's influence. This culminates in a complex, often understated, emotional battle where Cécile employs subtle manipulations to reclaim her father and restore her idealized summer, inspiring the tragic events to come.

• Themes and Tone: The film is described as a "bildungsroman about self-awareness, development, regret, and introspection," and a nuanced exploration of a child's relationship with her parents. While visually gorgeous and minimalistic, its understated pacing is meant to mirror the characters' lavish days. It delves into the "sensually charged exploration of the lonely and unscrupulous nature that can reside within us all," grappling with the dichotomy of youth and the inevitability of sadness.

• Cast and Performances: The ensemble cast includes Lily McInerny, Claes Bang, Chloë Sevigny, Naïlia Harzoune, and Aliocha Schneider. Chloë Sevigny's performance as Anne is particularly praised for grasping the complex internal life of a character who appears cold but hides "pensive insecurities."

• Filmmaking Style: Chew-Bose, drawing on her background as a writer and critic (and influences like Agnès Varda), crafts a film that is visually splendid, meticulously curated, and deeply focused on mood. Cinematography by Maximilian Pittner exudes a radiant, almost hypnotic quality. The film aims to be a "thoughtful interrogation into these characters' desperate desires."

Plot Summary

• Summer Idyll: 18-year-old Cécile enjoys a carefree summer on the French seaside with her charismatic father, Raymond, and his current lover, Elsa, along with a new boyfriend, Cyril.

• Anne's Arrival: The arrival of Anne, Cécile's late mother's sophisticated and morally upright friend, disrupts their hedonistic lifestyle.

• Clash of Lifestyles: Anne's presence creates tension as she rekindles a romance with Raymond and attempts to influence Cécile, threatening her cherished freedom and bond with her father.

• Subtle Manipulation: Cécile, feeling her world challenged, begins to subtly manipulate the adults around her, aiming to restore the previous summer dynamic and push Anne out.

• Tragic Consequences: The web of desires, jealousies, and manipulations culminates in unforeseen and tragic events, shattering the idyllic façade.

• Loss of Innocence: Cécile's experiences force her to confront the complexities of adulthood, self-awareness, and the painful transition away from youthful innocence.

Director's Vision

Durga Chew-Bose's directorial vision for Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is to create a deeply personal, atmospheric, and visually exquisite adaptation of Françoise Sagan's classic novel, focusing on the nuanced emotional landscape of youth, desire, and the painful awakening into adulthood. As both writer and director in her feature debut, Chew-Bose aimed to offer a modern, meditative interpretation that emphasizes mood and internal experience over overt drama. His vision emphasizes:

• Ruminative Atmosphere: The film is intended to be a "ruminative, atmospheric portrait" that romanticizes the French setting (culture, conversations, landscapes, meals) and is "very much fixated on mood," creating a sense of languor that mirrors the characters' indulgent lives.

• Bildungsroman of Self-Awareness: Chew-Bose views the story as a "bildungsroman about self-awareness, development, regret, and introspection," exploring Cécile's painful journey from youthful naivety to a deeper, sadder understanding of life.

• Nuanced Relationships: A key focus is the "child's relationship with her parents," particularly the complex, almost peer-like bond between Cécile and Raymond, and how it is challenged by the more mature, maternal influence of Anne.

• Visual Splendor and Artistic Influence: Drawing from her background as a writer and critic (and influences like Agnès Varda and Wong Kar-wai), Chew-Bose aimed for a "visually splendid" film, meticulously curated with details in cinematography, production design, and costuming.

• Subverting Expectations of Adaptation: While acknowledging Otto Preminger's 1958 adaptation, Chew-Bose sought to create a version that is "understated, almost muted, and entranced by endless small beauties," focusing on the "unscrupulous nature that can reside within us all" through internal character work.

• Personal Connection to Themes: Chew-Bose's own writing thoughtfully reflects on childhood and family, making her a "perfect choice" to adapt Sagan's themes of growing up and the importance of self-discovery.

Key Themes

• Loss of Innocence: Cécile's journey from a carefree youth to a more melancholic understanding of life's complexities and consequences.

• Desire and Manipulation: The intricate web of romantic and familial desires, and the subtle, often destructive, ways characters manipulate each other to achieve their aims.

• Parent-Child Relationships: The unconventional, almost fraternal bond between Cécile and her father, and how it is challenged by Anne's more conventional maternal presence.

• Freedom vs. Responsibility: The central conflict between Cécile's desire for an unrestrained, hedonistic life and Anne's emphasis on order, work, and moral duty.

• The Nature of Love and Happiness: Exploration of transient relationships, the pursuit of pleasure, and the elusive nature of lasting happiness and emotional fulfillment.

• Identity and Self-Awareness: Cécile's introspection and development as she confronts the emotional fallout of her actions and the inherent sadness of growing up.

Key Success Factors

• Critically Acclaimed Source Material: Adaptation of a classic, widely read novel ensures built-in recognition and literary interest.

• Auteurial Vision: Durga Chew-Bose's distinct voice as a writer translates into a visually rich and introspective directorial debut.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: Performances by established actors like Chloë Sevigny and Claes Bang, alongside rising star Lily McInerny, provide compelling characterizations.

• Atmospheric & Visually Striking: The film's emphasis on mood, gorgeous cinematography, and meticulous production design creates an immersive experience.

• Award Recognition: Winning the TIFF Emerging Talent Award signifies early industry recognition for Chew-Bose's promising directorial career.

Awards and Nominations

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) has received notable recognition during its festival run:

• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2024:

  • Winner - TIFF Emerging Talent Award (Durga Chew-Bose).

  • World Premiere in the Discovery program.

• Palm Springs International Film Festival: (Mentioned as having 1 Win & 2 Nominations, specific details not provided in search snippets).

• La Roche-sur-Yon International Film Festival: (Screened).

• Calgary International Film Festival: (Screened).

Critical Reception

Critical reception for Bonjour Tristesse (2024) has been generally positive, with critics appreciating Durga Chew-Bose's sensitive and visually striking adaptation of Françoise Sagan's novel. The film holds a Metascore of 65 on Metacritic, indicating "Generally Favorable Reviews," based on 13 critic reviews (9 positive, 4 mixed).

• Next Best Picture: Commended Chew-Bose's decision to adapt the novel, calling it a "sensually charged exploration of the lonely and unscrupulous nature that can reside within us all." While acknowledging it "lacking a necessity of existence" as an adaptation, it finds the film "effective in most of what it is trying to accomplish," especially aided by Chew-Bose's "visual eye." Chloë Sevigny's performance was singled out as "most successful."

• Film Threat: Praised it as a "rich experience in more ways than one," suggesting that if given patience, it "will give you an unforgettable experience."

• The Globe and Mail (Toronto): Noted that "What Chew-Bose gets so right about these characters is their very performativity, building a lifestyle where everyone is legible to each other despite a desire to remain unknowable."

• The Film Stage: While positive, offered a mixed sentiment, stating Chew-Bose's filmmaking can be "tasteful to something of a fault," with whispery conversations occasionally tipping it "from gentle character piece to slight self-importance."

• The Hollywood Reporter (mixed review): Found that "Chew-Bose's screenplay doesn't explore the characters deeply enough to replace the book's jaw-dropping quality with any psychological depth."

Overall, the film is praised for its visual artistry, mood, and strong performances, particularly Sevigny's, though some wished for deeper psychological exploration or a more compelling narrative necessity for the adaptation.

Reviews

Reviews for Bonjour Tristesse (2024) consistently highlight its distinctive aesthetic and approach:

• Visual Appeal: The film is frequently praised for its "gorgeous," "visually splendid," and "immaculately lit and shot" aesthetic, with cinematographer Maximilian Pittner's work often cited as a key strength.

• Mood-Driven Narrative: Reviewers emphasize the film's success in creating a specific "mood" or "atmosphere," often described as languid, understated, or ruminative, which mirrors the themes of summer indulgence and eventual melancholia.

• Strong Performances: Chloë Sevigny's portrayal of Anne is consistently singled out as a highlight, praised for its nuance and ability to convey hidden depths. Claes Bang and Lily McInerny also receive positive mentions for their portrayals of Raymond and Cécile.

• Literary Fidelity vs. Innovation: Critics often discuss the film's relationship to Sagan's novel. While many appreciate its faithful capture of the book's tone, some questioned whether the adaptation brought enough "new" or "necessary" to the material compared to previous interpretations.

• Pacing and Subtlety: The film's "languid pacing" and "understated tone" are acknowledged. For some, this enhances the film's introspective quality, while for others, it occasionally makes the narrative feel "static" or "empty."

Production Summary

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is a multi-national co-production involving Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It has a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The film was written and directed by Durga Chew-Bose. Producers include Durga Chew-Bose, Lindsay Tapscott, Benito Mueller, Katie Bird Nolan, and Christina Piovesan. The main production companies involved are Cinenovo (France), Elevation Pictures (Canada), Barry Films (Germany), Babe Nation Films (Canada), and Constellation Productions (UK, France). Key crew members include Maximilian Pittner (Cinematography), Amélie Labrèche (Editing), and Lesley Barber (Music).

Production Companies

• Cinenovo (France)

• Elevation Pictures (Canada)

• Barry Films (Germany)

• Babe Nation Films (Canada)

• Constellation Productions (UK, France)

Sales Companies

Film Constellation handles international sales for Bonjour Tristesse (2024), licensing rights to various territories globally. UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the US deal on behalf of the filmmakers.

Distribution Companies

• Greenwich Entertainment (USA - Theatrical and Digital)

• Elevation Pictures (Canada)

• Universal Pictures (Other key territories)

• Filmin (Spain)

• Nos Lusomundo (Portugal)

• Falcon (MENA)

• Nashe Kino (CIS)

• MCF MegaCom (Former Yugoslavia)

• Cinelibri (Bulgaria)

Streaming Release Date

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) is scheduled to be released on VOD and digital platforms on June 13, 2025.

Theatrical Release

Bonjour Tristesse (2024) premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on October 28, 2024. It received a limited theatrical release in the United States on May 2, 2025.

Why to Recommend the Movie

• Elegant Literary Adaptation: A faithful yet fresh take on Françoise Sagan's classic novel, maintaining its mood and psychological depth.

• Visually Stunning: Expert cinematography and art direction create a gorgeous, atmospheric portrayal of the French Riviera.

• Strong Female Gaze: Directed and written by Durga Chew-Bose, offering an introspective and nuanced perspective on female adolescence and desire.

• Compelling Performances: Led by Lily McInerny and Chloë Sevigny, who deliver subtle and impactful portrayals of complex characters.

• Thought-Provoking Themes: Explores universal themes of lost innocence, freedom, manipulation, and the bittersweet transition to adulthood.

Why to Watch the Movie

• If you loved Françoise Sagan's novel: This adaptation aims to capture its essence and mood beautifully.

• For fans of sophisticated dramas: It offers a character-driven narrative with psychological depth and understated tension.

• To experience stunning cinematography and evocative settings: The French seaside visuals are a key draw.

• If you appreciate films with a strong female directorial voice: Durga Chew-Bose's debut is a significant artistic statement.

• For compelling performances: Particularly from Chloë Sevigny and the nuanced lead by Lily McInerny.

Movie Trend

The film aligns with the trend of Literary Adaptations with a Contemporary Sensibility, bringing classic novels to the screen with a focus on modern relevance and aesthetic. It also fits within the growing movement of Female Auteur Cinema, particularly from directors (like Durga Chew-Bose) who are also writers, offering unique and introspective perspectives on female experience. Furthermore, it contributes to the enduring appeal of European-Set Dramas that often feature international co-productions and explore complex psychological themes within visually rich, idyllic backdrops.

Social Trend

The film implicitly reflects a social trend of Re-examining Coming-of-Age Narratives through a more nuanced, introspective lens, acknowledging the complexities and melancholic aspects of transitioning into adulthood beyond simplistic depictions of innocence lost. It also touches on evolving understandings of Familial Bonds and Unconventional Structures, particularly in the context of Raymond's bohemian parenting style and Anne's more traditional influence. The subtle exploration of desire and manipulation within relationships resonates with contemporary discussions around Power Dynamics in Personal Relationships.

Final Verdict

Bonjour Tristesse (2024), Durga Chew-Bose's feature directorial debut, is a beautiful and introspective romantic drama that masterfully adapts Françoise Sagan's iconic novel. Set against the sun-drenched French Riviera, the film meticulously crafts a mood of idyllic freedom slowly corroded by jealousy and manipulation, as 18-year-old Cécile's carefree summer is shattered by the arrival of her late mother's sophisticated friend, Anne. Bolstered by stunning cinematography, a nuanced script, and compelling performances from Lily McInerny and Chloë Sevigny, Bonjour Tristesse offers a poignant exploration of lost innocence, desire, and the bittersweet awakening to the complexities of adulthood. While some critics noted a lack of narrative necessity for the adaptation, its artistic vision and emotional depth make it a significant and memorable cinematic experience.

Recommendations for filmmakers

• Embrace Literary Source Material: When adapting a beloved novel, focus on capturing its core mood, philosophical undertones, and character psychology, rather than simply replicating the plot. A director's personal interpretation can add new layers of meaning.

• Prioritize Atmosphere and Visual Storytelling: Utilize cinematography, production design, and costuming to create a distinct and immersive atmosphere that complements the narrative's emotional landscape, allowing visuals to convey unspoken truths.

• Cultivate Nuanced Performances: Encourage actors to deliver subtle and internal performances, especially for characters with complex emotional lives. The unsaid can often be more powerful than explicit dialogue.

• Explore the Bitter-Sweetness of Growth: Films about coming-of-age don't always need clear-cut happy endings. Embrace the melancholic, introspective, and sometimes tragic aspects of maturation to create a more realistic and resonant story.

• Seek International Co-Production Opportunities: Collaborating with international partners can provide broader financing, diverse talent, and access to unique filming locations, enriching the film's scope and appeal.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Invest in Female Auteurs: Actively support and fund female directors and writers, particularly those making their feature debuts, as they often bring fresh perspectives and deeply personal narratives to the screen.

• Champion Literary Adaptations: Continue to invest in adaptations of classic and contemporary literature, recognizing their potential for critical acclaim and attracting a culturally engaged audience, especially when handled with an artistic vision.

• Promote Art House and European Cinema: Ensure robust distribution channels for visually rich, character-driven international dramas, enabling them to reach a wider audience beyond festival circuits.

• Value Mood and Subtlety: Recognize the artistic merit of films that prioritize atmosphere, psychological depth, and understated storytelling over high-concept plots or overt dramatics.

• Foster Cross-Cultural Exchange: Encourage and facilitate international co-productions, which can lead to unique cinematic collaborations and stories that resonate across different cultural contexts.

Final Conclusions

Bonjour Tristesse (2024), Durga Chew-Bose's feature directorial debut, is a beautiful and introspective romantic drama that masterfully adapts Françoise Sagan's iconic novel. Set against the sun-drenched French Riviera, the film meticulously crafts a mood of idyllic freedom slowly corroded by jealousy and manipulation, as 18-year-old Cécile's carefree summer is shattered by the arrival of her late mother's sophisticated friend, Anne. Bolstered by stunning cinematography, a nuanced script, and compelling performances from Lily McInerny and Chloë Sevigny, Bonjour Tristesse offers a poignant exploration of lost innocence, desire, and the bittersweet awakening to the complexities of adulthood. While some critics noted a lack of narrative necessity for the adaptation, its artistic vision and emotional depth make it a significant and memorable cinematic experience.