New Movies: L'amour du monde (2023) by Jenna Hasse: A Tender Coming-of-Age Story of Unexpected Bonds

L'amour du monde (2023), also known by its English title Longing for the World, is a Swiss drama film directed and co-written by Jenna Hasse. The film centers on fourteen-year-old Margaux, who spends her summer interning at a children's group home by Lake Geneva. There, she forms an unusual and tender bond with seven-year-old Juliette, a child in care, and Joël, a fisherman recently returned from Indonesia. United by a "silent refusal to face life" and a "longing for faraway places," the three navigate a summer of unexpected friendship, self-discovery, and the enigmatic feeling of an intense desire to explore the world.

Short Summary

Jenna Hasse's L'amour du monde (2023) is a Swiss drama where 14-year-old Margaux, interning at a children's home, forms a tender bond with a young child in care and a returning fisherman, all united by a longing for faraway places and navigating an unexpected summer of self-discovery by Lake Geneva.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15607898/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/438755/

About movie: https://latidofilms.com/films/lamour-du-monde/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/lamour-du-monde-sehnsucht-nach-der-welt (Germany)

Detailed Summary

L'amour du monde (2023), known internationally as Longing for the World, is a Swiss drama film that marks the feature debut of director Jenna Hasse. Hasse also co-wrote the screenplay with Nicole Stankiewicz and Julien Bouissoux. The film premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in February 2023, where it received a Special Mention from the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film, highlighting its appeal to younger audiences while exploring mature themes.

The story unfolds during the summer on the serene shores of Lake Geneva. Fourteen-year-old Margaux (Clarisse Moussa) is spending her holidays interning at a children's group home. There, she meets Juliette (Esin Demircan), a seven-year-old half-orphan in care, and Joël (Marc Oosterhoff), a fisherman who has recently returned from Indonesia after his mother's death. Despite their age differences, the three form an unlikely yet "unusual but tender bond." They are depicted as being "united in silent refusal to face life" and sharing a common "longing for faraway places." Through their secret strolls and shared experiences by the lake, Margaux experiences "the enigmatic feeling of an intense longing for discovering the world" and the "first traces of attraction." The film explores themes of friendship, unspoken feelings, disappointment, and the quiet yearning for exploration, with a modest and attentive tone. It features a predominantly French-speaking cast, with some Portuguese and English dialogue, and a runtime of 76 minutes. Produced by Swiss company Langfilm in co-production with Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) and Galão Com Açúcar Film, the film has seen distribution in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.

Plot Summary

• Summer Internship: Fourteen-year-old Margaux spends her summer as an intern at a children's group home located by Lake Geneva.

• Unlikely Encounters: She forms a tender connection with Juliette, a seven-year-old child in care, and Joël, a fisherman who has recently returned from Indonesia.

• Shared Longings: The three characters, despite their age differences, share a quiet sense of detachment from their current lives and a deep "longing for faraway places."

• Discovering the World: Through their interactions and secret excursions by the lake, Margaux begins to experience a powerful desire to explore the world and navigates her first feelings of attraction.

• Unexpected Friendship: Their bond deepens as they learn about fishing, Indonesian legends, and herons, and discover the unexpected ways friendship can unfold.

• Subtle Coming-of-Age: The summer becomes a period of quiet self-discovery for Margaux, subtly exploring themes of attraction, disappointment, and the nuances of human connection.

Director's Vision

Jenna Hasse's directorial vision for L'amour du monde (2023) is to craft a delicate and introspective coming-of-age story centered on the formation of unexpected bonds and the universal human desire for something more. Her vision emphasizes:

• Subtlety and Observation: Hasse opts for a "modestly reserved, however attentive" approach, allowing emotions and connections to unfold quietly through observation rather than overt drama.

• The Power of Connection: The film highlights how unlikely friendships can emerge and provide solace and new perspectives, particularly for individuals feeling a sense of displacement or longing.

• Childhood and Adolescence: Hasse focuses on the nuanced experiences of young protagonists, capturing the dreaminess and developing awareness of the world through Margaux's eyes.

• Evocative Setting: Lake Geneva serves as a "haven of peace" that is integral to the film's atmosphere and the characters' quiet introspection, providing a backdrop for their internal and external journeys.

• Exploration of Longing: The core theme of "longing for faraway places" is central, guiding the characters' emotional arcs and suggesting a universal human desire for escape and discovery.

• Authenticity and Truthfulness: Latido Films, the international sales agent, praised the film for being "delicate, truthful and offers magnificent performances from its young cast which perfectly blend with those from the adults," indicating Hasse's commitment to authentic portrayal.

Key Themes

• Coming-of-Age: Margaux's journey through a summer of new experiences, self-discovery, and nascent attractions.

• Friendship and Connection: The unexpected and tender bond formed between Margaux, Juliette, and Joël, highlighting the solace found in shared experiences.

• Longing and Escape: The pervasive feeling among the characters of wanting to be elsewhere, to discover the world, or to escape their current circumstances.

• Disappointment and Acceptance: Navigating the realities of life, both personal and shared, and coming to terms with unexpected disappointments.

• Childhood Vulnerability and Care: Juliette's presence as a child in care introduces themes of innocence, resilience, and the need for emotional support.

• Silent Refusal to Face Life: A subtle exploration of how characters, particularly Joël, might be grappling with personal pain or a reluctance to fully engage with their present.

Key Success Factors

• Delicate Storytelling: Jenna Hasse's subtle and observational approach to narrative.

• Strong Young Performances: Clarisse Moussa and Esin Demircan's portrayals of Margaux and Juliette.

• Evocative Cinematography: The film's visual appeal and use of the Lake Geneva setting.

• Universal Themes: Exploring longing, friendship, and self-discovery resonates with a broad audience.

• Festival Acclaim: A Special Mention at the Berlinale's Generation Kplus, indicating its quality and appeal for youth and family programming.

Awards and Nominations

L'amour du monde (2023) has received significant recognition on the international film festival circuit:

• Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2023 (Generation Kplus):

  • Winner: Special Mention of the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film.

  • Nominee: Crystal Bear for Best Film.

• European Film Awards 2023: Nominee for Young Audience Award.

• Swiss Film Prize 2024: Nominee for Best Film (Bester Spielfilm).

• São Paulo International Film Festival 2023: Nominee for New Directors Competition.

• Official Selections: Locarno International Film Festival 2023, Sarajevo Film Festival 2023, Gijón International Film Festival 2023, Doclisboa 2023, and Giffoni Film Festival 2023.

Critical Reception

Critical reception for L'amour du monde (2023) has been largely positive, particularly from festivals, praising its delicate approach, strong performances, and emotional depth.

• It was lauded by the Berlinale Generation Kplus International Jury for its "Special Mention" as Best Film, indicating its high quality for younger audiences.

• Latido Films, the international sales agent, expressed being "flabbergasted" by the film, praising it as "delicate, truthful and offers magnificent performances from its young cast which perfectly blend with those from the adults."

• Reviewers often highlight its poetic and observant style, allowing complex emotions and relationships to unfold organically. Its ability to resonate universally despite its modest scale is also noted.

Overall, the film is well-regarded for its sensitive storytelling and compelling performances, making it a strong debut for Jenna Hasse.

Reviews

Reviews for L'amour du monde (2023) consistently praise its tender and observational style.

• Critics note the effective portrayal of Margaux's internal world and her burgeoning awareness of life's complexities and desires.

• The chemistry and performances of the young leads, Clarisse Moussa and Esin Demircan, are frequently highlighted as a strength, bringing authenticity to the unexpected bond.

• The film's pacing is often described as gentle, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the quiet summer setting and the subtle shifts in the characters' emotions.

• The themes of longing, friendship, and self-discovery are seen as universally relatable, making the film accessible to a broad audience, including youth, as recognized by its Generation Kplus award.

Box Office

As an independent Swiss drama that premiered at film festivals, L'amour du monde (2023) is not expected to have significant traditional theatrical box office numbers on a global scale. Its success is measured more by its extensive festival run, critical accolades, and subsequent arthouse theatrical releases in various countries. It has had limited theatrical releases in Switzerland (April 5, 2023, for French-speaking regions), Germany (August 24, 2023), and Austria (August 24, 2023).

Production Summary

L'amour du monde (2023) is a Swiss fiction film with a runtime of 76 minutes, produced by Langfilm (Switzerland). It is a co-production with Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) and Galão Com Açúcar Film, also from Switzerland. Jenna Hasse directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Nicole Stankiewicz and Julien Bouissoux. Key crew members include Valentina Provini (Cinematography), Noémie Fy (Editing), and Cedric Blaser (Music). The film's original languages are Portuguese, English, and French.

Production Companies

• Langfilm (Switzerland)

• Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS) (Switzerland)

• Galão Com Açúcar Film (Switzerland)

Sales Companies

Latido Films (Spain) is the international sales agent for L'amour du monde (2023).

Distribution Companies

• Vinca Film GmbH (Switzerland - theatrical release)

• Mindjazz Pictures (Germany - theatrical release)

• Filmdelights Distribution (Austria - theatrical release)

• The film has also been broadcast on TV5MONDE Europe.

Streaming Release Date

While L'amour du monde (2023) has had theatrical releases in various European countries, a specific wide streaming release date has not been prominently announced. Its broadcast on TV5MONDE Europe suggests it is available through certain television or VOD services in those regions.

Theatrical Release

L'amour du monde (2023) had its world premiere at the Berlinale in February 2023. Its theatrical release dates include:

• Switzerland (French-speaking): April 5, 2023

• Germany: August 24, 2023

• Austria: August 24, 2023 It has also screened at numerous other international film festivals throughout 2023.

Why to Recommend the Movie

• Poignant Coming-of-Age: It offers a tender and realistic portrayal of adolescence, self-discovery, and the formation of unexpected bonds.

• Beautifully Shot: The cinematography, particularly around Lake Geneva, contributes to a serene and reflective atmosphere.

• Strong Performances: The young lead actors deliver compelling and authentic portrayals.

• Universal Themes: The exploration of longing, friendship, and personal growth resonates with audiences of all ages.

• Award-Winning Quality: Its Special Mention at the Berlinale and other festival selections highlight its artistic merit.

Why to Watch the Movie

• If you enjoy quiet, introspective dramas: The film's subtle pacing and focus on character emotions will appeal.

• To see a fresh perspective on a youth narrative: It avoids typical adolescent drama clichés, offering a more nuanced view.

• For beautiful European cinema: The Swiss setting and artistic direction are captivating.

• If you appreciate films that explore the nuances of human connection: The development of the bond between the three main characters is central.

• To experience a film that is both gentle and emotionally resonant.

Movie Trend

The film aligns with the trend of Intimate European Art House Cinema, particularly Coming-of-Age Dramas that prioritize subtle character development and atmosphere over overt plot. It also fits into the category of Festival Circuit Darlings, films that gain significant acclaim and distribution through international film festivals, and often deal with universal human experiences through a specific cultural lens. The use of natural settings as almost a character in itself is also a recurring trend in this type of cinema.

Social Trend

The film resonates with the social trend of Mental Well-being and Emotional Connection, particularly among youth, as it explores the quiet struggles and the search for belonging and meaning. The portrayal of a child in care also touches upon themes of Vulnerability and Social Support Systems for Children. More broadly, the "longing for the world" can be seen as a reflection of contemporary desires for escape, travel, and broader experiences, especially in a world that often feels confined.

Final Verdict

L'amour du monde (2023), also known as Longing for the World, is a beautifully crafted Swiss drama and a notable feature debut for director Jenna Hasse. The film tenderly explores the summer of fourteen-year-old Margaux as she forms an unexpected and profound bond with a young child in care and a returning fisherman by Lake Geneva. Hasse's subtle and observant directorial vision allows themes of coming-of-age, longing, friendship, and the quiet pursuit of self-discovery to unfold with grace and authenticity. With its strong performances, evocative cinematography, and a Special Mention at the Berlinale, L'amour du monde is a poignant and universally resonant film that captures the delicate nuances of human connection and the enduring desire for exploration.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Subtle Storytelling: Allow emotions and character development to unfold organically through observation and nuance, rather than relying on overt dramatic beats.

• Prioritize Child and Youth Performances: Invest time in directing young actors to achieve authentic and compelling portrayals, as they often carry the emotional weight of such narratives.

• Utilize Natural Settings: Integrate your filming locations as a vital part of the film's atmosphere and thematic expression, allowing them to shape the characters' journeys.

• Focus on Universal Emotions: Explore themes like longing, connection, and discovery that transcend specific cultural contexts, making the film accessible to a global audience.

• Leverage Festival Exposure: Aim for premieres at prestigious film festivals to gain critical recognition and attract international sales and distribution.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry

• Support Emerging Talent: Actively seek out and fund promising debut feature directors, particularly those with a strong artistic voice in intimate dramas.

• Invest in Youth-Focused Narratives: Recognize the importance of films that authentically portray the complex emotional landscapes of adolescence and childhood.

• Promote Art House and International Cinema: Continue to provide platforms and distribution for films that prioritize artistic vision, cultural specificity, and nuanced storytelling over commercial appeal.

• Acknowledge Quiet Power: Recognize that films with a gentle pace and subtle approach can be just as impactful and resonant as more dramatic or action-oriented productions.

• Facilitate Cross-Cultural Distribution: Support efforts to bring well-received international films to diverse audiences globally, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

Final Conclusions

L'amour du monde (2023), also known as Longing for the World, is a beautifully crafted Swiss drama and a notable feature debut for director Jenna Hasse. The film tenderly explores the summer of fourteen-year-old Margaux as she forms an unexpected and profound bond with a young child in care and a returning fisherman by Lake Geneva. Hasse's subtle and observant directorial vision allows themes of coming-of-age, longing, friendship, and the quiet pursuit of self-discovery to unfold with grace and authenticity. With its strong performances, evocative cinematography, and a Special Mention at the Berlinale, L'amour du monde is a poignant and universally resonant film that captures the delicate nuances of human connection and the enduring desire for exploration.