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New Movies: Let Me Go (2023) by Maxime Rappaz: A Woman's Journey to Redefine Desire and Identity

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jun 26
  • 10 min read

The Core Story: Unveiling a Secret Life

Maxime Rappaz's "Let Me Go" is a profound and introspective drama that dives into the complex inner world of Claudine, a middle-aged seamstress living in the serene Swiss Alps. Her life seems ordinary, dedicated to caring for her disabled son. Yet, every Tuesday, Claudine escapes this routine, seeking anonymous intimacy with men at a mountain hotel. This carefully constructed duality is shattered when Michael, a man she meets, decides to extend his stay just for her. This unexpected turn forces Claudine to confront her deep-seated desires, question her present reality, and cautiously dream of a future where she can reclaim her sexual identity and embrace a second chance at love.

Short Summary: A Glimpse into Claudine's World

Maxime Rappaz's "Let Me Go" centers on Claudine, a devoted mother who secretly engages in anonymous encounters at a local hotel. Her carefully balanced life begins to unravel when one man, Michael, stays longer for her, prompting Claudine to envision a new future and explore her identity and desires beyond her maternal role.

Detailed Look: Beyond Appearances

The film intricately portrays Claudine's life, showing her dedication to her son while hinting at a deeper, unfulfilled yearning. Her weekly visits to the hotel for fleeting encounters serve as a vital outlet, a space where she can shed her responsibilities and reconnect with her own desires. Michael's decision to prolong his stay acts as a catalyst, forcing Claudine to re-evaluate her choices and consider the possibility of a different, more personally fulfilling existence. "Let Me Go" is a quiet yet potent exploration of longing, the complexities of identity, and the profound courage required to embark on a new chapter in life.

Plot Summary: The Threads of the Story

  • A Weekday Escape: Every Tuesday, Claudine leaves her handicapped son with a neighbor, making her way to a secluded mountain hotel.

  • Seeking Anonymous Connection: At the hotel, she engages in brief, anonymous sexual encounters with various transient men, a ritual that allows her to explore her own identity beyond her caregiving role.

  • The Unforeseen Encounter: Her established routine is disrupted by Michael, an appealing German photographer, who chooses to extend his stay specifically for her.

  • Dreams of a New Tomorrow: Michael's presence ignites a spark within Claudine, leading her to contemplate a deeper connection and envision a different future for herself, one she previously thought unattainable.

  • An Internal Battle: The film then delves into Claudine's emotional struggle as she navigates these nascent feelings, weighing the implications of pursuing a new life against the comforts and obligations of her current one.

Director's Vision: The Artistic Compass Guiding "Let Me Go"

Maxime Rappaz's directorial vision for "Let Me Go" is characterized by a calm, contemplative, and impactful approach to examining the human experience. His filmmaking choices reveal a meticulous hand and deep empathy for his characters.

  • Controlled Narrative: Rappaz exhibits remarkable control over his material, allowing the story to unfold with precision and purpose. He avoids melodrama, preferring a subtle approach that heightens the emotional impact.

  • Profound Compassion: There's an abundance of compassion for his characters, particularly Claudine. Rappaz ensures her journey, even in its most private moments, feels authentic and deserving of the audience's understanding.

  • Exploration of Desire and Identity: The film masterfully walks a fine line, crafting a beautiful and thought-provoking drama that delves into the essence of desire and its role in shaping personal identity. It's a key thematic focus, central to Claudine's transformation.

  • Simple Yet Sophisticated Storytelling: "Let Me Go" is a straightforward, character-driven piece that explores universal themes with grace. Rappaz understands the power of a simple story told with sophistication, making complex ideas accessible.

  • Repetition as Artistic Device: He often employs repetition as a stylistic choice to create an atmospheric portrayal of the intersections between femininity and desire, building a rhythm that draws viewers deeper into Claudine's world.

  • Genre Nuance: The film is primarily a Drama Romance, but its exploration transcends typical genre boundaries, offering a nuanced look at human connection and self-liberation.

Themes: Echoes of Humanity

  • Desire and Self-Discovery: The film profoundly explores Claudine's journey to reclaim her sexual identity and her sense of self, separate from her role as a mother, highlighting how desire molds one's personal identity.

  • The Universal Human Condition: It offers a compelling insight into what it means to be human, particularly through the lens of an individual striving to improve her life and envision a brighter future.

  • The Promise of Renewal: The central idea of a second chance and the bravery needed to pursue personal happiness, even when it means disrupting an established life, is a powerful undercurrent.

  • Routine vs. Transformation: The narrative cleverly contrasts the security and limitations of a predictable routine with the transformative, yet potentially liberating, power of unexpected change.

Key Success Factors: Ingredients for Triumph

  • A Star-Making Performance: Jeanne Balibar's exceptionally expressive portrayal of Claudine is fundamental to the film's impact, subtly conveying her complex emotions, vulnerabilities, and quiet resolve.

  • Subtle, Reflective Storytelling: The film's measured, character-focused approach allows for a deep and meaningful exploration of intricate emotions and themes without resorting to overt melodrama.

  • Resonating Human Core: The film's themes of identity, longing, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment are universally relatable, ensuring a broad emotional connection with audiences.

  • Masterful Direction: Maxime Rappaz's nuanced and sensitive direction keeps the narrative focused and poignant, preventing it from veering into unnecessary sentimentality.

Awards and Nominations: Acknowledged Brilliance

"Let Me Go" has garnered significant recognition across various international film festivals:

  • Special Mention (Focus Competition) at the Zurich Film Festival 2023.

  • Best Interpretation Award for Jeanne Balibar at both the Festival International du Film Francophone (FIFF) Namur 2023 and Cinemania 2023.

  • Vanguard Audience Award at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2023.

  • A prestigious nomination for Best Feature Film at the Swiss Film Award 2024.

  • It also had the honor of being the Opening Film for the Cannes ACID Competition 2023.

Critics Reception: Voices from the Critics

While aggregate scores like Metacritic currently show limited data, the critical reception for "Let Me Go" from early festival screenings and specialized outlets has been largely positive, praising its artistic merit and emotional depth.

  • International Cinephile Society: Hailed the film as "quiet, meditative and powerful," calling it a "fascinating examination of the human condition." They lauded Rappaz's "incredible control over the material" and "abundance of compassion for his characters," highlighting its status as a "simple, character-based drama" that explores universal themes with sensitivity. They also noted its sophisticated nature in telling a straightforward story.

  • Cineuropa: Positioned Maxime Rappaz's debut feature as a portrayal of "the torments of a complex character who's trying to free herself from a prison of her own making," suggesting a strong and positive critical take on the film's character study.

  • Drink in the Movies (VIFF 2023 Review): While appreciating the film's "warm and polished" aesthetic and Jeanne Balibar's "boldly physical performance," this review expressed some reservations. It found the emotional tone "wobbly" and the development of Claudine and Michael's relationship "unpersuasive." However, it specifically praised the "frank treatment of Claudine's sexuality," acknowledging it as a refreshing departure from typical Hollywood portrayals.

  • FilmDienst (via Film Movement): Granted the film its "Highest Rating," describing it as "A sensitively staged love and emancipation drama with an ambiguous main character, whose contradictions and insecurities are excellently portrayed. With the courage to leave narrative gaps, the film revolves around the meaning of intimacy and interpersonal closeness."

  • Libération (via Festival Premiers Plans d'Angers): Affirmed that the film "belongs to a genre for the happy few: films starring Jeanne Balibar," attributing the film's entire essence to her presence. The review described the direction as a "delicate blend of sophistication, malice, a form of sought-after mystery," and highlighted the captivating nature of the opening shot.

Overall Critical Summary: The critical consensus, though not yet widely aggregated on major platforms, is overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers consistently commend Jeanne Balibar's exceptional performance and the film's nuanced, meditative approach to sensitive themes. While some minor quibbles about pacing or narrative development have been raised, "Let Me Go" is broadly celebrated as a compelling and artistically significant debut that resonates with its intimate portrayal of human longing and self-discovery.

Reviews: Unveiling Perspectives

  • International Cinephile Society: The review emphasized the film's "poignant examination of a few powerful themes" that are "intricately woven into the film by Rappaz." It commended Jeanne Balibar's "incredible expressivity," noting how "every emotion is etched onto her face." The film is seen as aligning with "excellent social realist dramas" and draws comparisons to "Jeanne Dielman" for its atmospheric depiction of femininity and desire, and its effective use of repetition as an artistic device.

  • Drink in the Movies: While acknowledging the film's welcome frankness about female sexuality, this review expressed some reservations about the emotional consistency of the drama and the persuasiveness of the central relationship's development. It points to moments where Balibar's physical performance felt "more awkward than moving" and critiques the "needlessly overripened" piano score.

  • Film Movement: The educational summary provided by Film Movement, which also distributes the film, cites the International Cinephile Society's praise for "Let Me Go" as "A fascinating examination of the human condition" and "one of the year's most audacious debuts." It further includes a quote from FilmDienst highlighting the "sensitively staged love and emancipation drama" and the excellent portrayal of the main character's contradictions.

  • Festival Premiers Plans d'Angers (citing Libération): This review emphasized how the film is entirely "coloured by Balibar," suggesting that her presence and performance are central to its success. It described the film's aesthetic as a "delicate blend of sophistication, malice, a form of sought-after mystery," and commended the opening shot for immediately drawing the viewer to Claudine's magnetic aura.

Overall Reviews Summary: Reviews for "Let Me Go" frequently praise its thematic depth, particularly its exploration of female desire and identity in midlife. Jeanne Balibar's lead performance is consistently highlighted as a tour de force, lauded for its expressiveness and ability to convey complex inner turmoil. While the majority of reviews are highly positive, appreciating the film's subtle and meditative approach, some minor criticisms have emerged regarding pacing or the development of the central romantic relationship. However, the overall consensus points to a thoughtfully crafted and emotionally resonant drama.

Box Office: Limited Reach, Profound Impact

Box office data for "Let Me Go" is quite limited. The film reportedly grossed $849 in Portugal, with an opening weekend of $839. Comprehensive global box office figures are not extensively publicized, indicating its primary impact is likely within the art-house and festival circuit rather than mainstream commercial success.

Production Summary: Behind the Scenes

"Let Me Go" is a feature film directed by Maxime Rappaz, with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes (or 93 minutes). The screenplay was a collaborative effort, written by Maxime Rappaz, Marion Vernoux (co-writer), and Florence Seyvos (co-writer).

Production Companies:

  • GoldenEggProduction (Switzerland)

  • Fox the Fox (Belgium)

  • Paraiso Production Diffusion

Sales Companies:

  • M-Appeal World Sales UG (Germany) is responsible for handling the film's worldwide sales.

Distribution Companies:

  • Frenetic Films (Switzerland) handles theatrical distribution in Switzerland.

  • Eurozoom (France) manages theatrical distribution in France.

  • Omnibus Entertainement is responsible for distribution in the United States.

Release Dates: Arriving on Screens

Release Date on Streaming: "Let Me Go" is slated to become available for streaming on Plex from June 27, 2025, in the United States.

Theatrical Release: The film made its grand World Premiere at Cannes ACID 2023 on May 17, 2023. It subsequently had its theatrical release in Switzerland on October 25, 2023, and in France on March 20, 2024.

Why to Recommend Movie: A Cinematic Invitation

  • For Lovers of Deep Character Studies: If you appreciate films that delve profoundly into the psychological nuances of a single character, "Let Me Go" offers a rich and rewarding experience.

  • Thought-Provoking Themes: The movie gracefully explores mature themes such as identity, desire, and aging, providing a contemplative and intellectually stimulating viewing.

  • A Tour-de-Force Performance: Jeanne Balibar's compelling and emotionally charged portrayal is a standout, serving as a powerful anchor for the entire film.

  • Art-House Gem: Its deliberate pacing and artistic integrity make it an ideal choice for audiences seeking a more reflective and introspective cinematic journey.

Why to Watch Movie: The Power of Presence

  • Unveiling Desire: Witness a subtle yet potent cinematic exploration of a woman's quest to reconnect with her sexuality and personal desires.

  • Intimate Storytelling: The film's close focus on Claudine's internal struggles provides a deeply personal and surprisingly relatable experience for viewers.

  • Exceptional Acting: Jeanne Balibar delivers a truly exceptional performance, imbuing her character with significant depth and authenticity that elevates the entire film.

  • Quietly Evocative Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a film that uses its setting and deliberate pacing to create a compelling and introspective mood.

Movie Trend: Following the Current

"Let Me Go" aligns perfectly with the Independent European Cinema Trend, which prioritizes intimate, character-driven narratives. These films often focus on psychological depth and emotional realism, frequently gaining recognition at international film festivals for their artistic merit and distinct storytelling voices, rather than aiming for large commercial returns.

Social Trend: Mirroring Society

The film subtly reflects the Re-evaluation of Female Identity in Midlife Social Trend. It portrays women actively exploring and asserting their desires, sexuality, and personal aspirations beyond traditional societal roles. This mirrors a growing societal dialogue about empowerment and self-discovery at all life stages, challenging conventional narratives surrounding aging and female agency.

Final Verdict: The Final Take

"Let Me Go" is a profound and introspective drama that offers a compelling look at one woman's quiet rebellion against the ordinary and her courageous pursuit of a second chance at life and love. Firmly anchored by Jeanne Balibar's exceptional performance, the film is a testament to the enduring human desire for connection and self-fulfillment, making it a highly recommended watch for those who appreciate nuanced and emotionally rich storytelling.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: Charting New Courses

  • Embrace Subtlety in Character: Focus on showcasing characters' internal conflicts and nuanced expressions to build depth, rather than relying on overt dialogue or dramatic plot twists.

  • Craft Immersive Atmospheres: Utilize cinematography, deliberate pacing, and compelling settings to create an immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere that elevates the narrative.

  • Trust Your Audience's Intelligence: Allow for moments of ambiguity and quiet reflection, trusting that viewers will engage with the film's themes and interpret its deeper meanings.

  • Invest in Stellar Lead Talent: Recognize that a truly compelling central performance can significantly elevate a character-driven story, infusing it with authenticity and profound emotional depth.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Elevating the Art

  • Champion Character-Centric Narratives: Continue to provide financial and promotional support for films that prioritize deep character exploration and universal human themes, even if they don't promise blockbuster returns.

  • Harness Festival Acclaim: Strategically use film festival recognition and awards as a key marketing tool to draw in discerning audiences who value artistic quality.

  • Cultivate Niche Distribution: Explore and utilize distribution channels and platforms that specialize in independent and art-house cinema to effectively reach the film's core audience.

  • Promote Diverse Perspectives: Actively support and showcase stories that explore unconventional or underrepresented aspects of the human experience, enriching the overall cinematic landscape.

Final Conclusions: The Enduring Message

The Quiet Power of Personal Liberation

"Let Me Go" stands as a remarkable example of how understated storytelling can achieve profound emotional impact. It is a film that eloquently celebrates the subtle yet revolutionary act of a woman claiming her own desires and redefining her identity. Its strength lies in its intimate portrayal of a universal yearning for self-discovery and the courage to embrace a second chance, marking it as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema that champions authentic human experiences.


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