New Movies: Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful (2023) by Lyne Charlebois: Forbidden Love, Scientific Inquiry, and a Search for Beauty in Nature

Core Summary: An Unconventional Love Blooms Amidst Scientific Exploration

"Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" (2023) is a compelling Quebecois drama directed by Lyne Charlebois, inspired by a remarkable true story. The film delves into the lifelong, profound connection between Brother Léo, a Catholic priest and renowned botanist, and Marcelle Gauvreau, his young protégée. Their relationship, which transcends conventional boundaries, evolves as they embark on a shared scientific mission: to study the biology of sexuality in nature. As they navigate their personal feelings and their groundbreaking research, the film explores themes of love, faith, scientific curiosity, and the inherent beauty and complexity of natural phenomena, creating a tender and thought-provoking portrait of an extraordinary bond.

Snapshot: Priest, Protégée, and Passion: Nature's Secrets Unveiled

A Catholic priest and his young protégée forge an unconventional lifelong love as they delve into the biology of sexuality in nature, blurring lines between faith, science, and human connection.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31113157/

About movie: https://www.lesfilmsopale.com/dis-moi-pourquoi

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/dis-moi-pourquoi-ces-choses-sont-si-belles (Canada)

Deep Dive: The Intersection of Spirituality, Science, and Sentience

"Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" (original French title: Dis-moi pourquoi ces choses sont si belles) is Lyne Charlebois's second feature film, following her acclaimed debut "Borderline." The film premiered in late 2023 at the Whistler Film Festival (English Canadian Premiere) and the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (where it won the Grand Prix Hydro-Québec), indicating its strong presence in the Canadian festival circuit.

• Plot: Set against a backdrop of scientific inquiry and personal devotion, the film tells the story of Brother Léo (Alexandre Goyette), a 46-year-old botanist and priest, and Marcelle Gauvreau (Mylène Mackay), a 23-year-old aspiring scientist. Both have experienced near-death encounters and share a profound love for God and nature. Their shared passion for botany and the natural world quickly develops into a deep intellectual and emotional bond. As their relationship deepens, they embark on a unique and ambitious scientific project: a comprehensive study of the biology of sexuality within the natural world. This unconventional academic pursuit mirrors the complex and perhaps forbidden nature of their own growing affection. The film explores the nuances of their evolving love, which is both platonic and deeply spiritual, challenging societal norms and religious vows. It's a journey of intellectual discovery, personal growth, and emotional intimacy, ultimately asking profound questions about love, life, and faith through the lens of scientific observation. The true story inspiration adds a layer of historical and emotional weight to the narrative.

• Characters & Cast:

  • Alexandre Goyette as Brother Léo: A Catholic priest and passionate botanist, whose intellectual curiosity and spiritual devotion drive his unique relationship.

  • Mylène Mackay as Marcelle Gauvreau: The young protégée who shares Brother Léo's passion for nature and becomes deeply entangled in his life and work.

  • Marianne Farley, Vincent Graton, Sylvie Moreau, Eva Tanoni, Rachel Graton, Francis Ducharme: Round out the supporting cast, likely portraying other members of the scientific community, religious order, or personal lives of the protagonists.

• Genre and Style: Primarily a Drama, likely with elements of Biographical Film and Romance. Given Lyne Charlebois's background, the film is expected to be deeply character-driven, exploring complex emotional landscapes. The "nature" and "sexuality" themes within a scientific context suggest a film that is intellectually stimulating yet emotionally resonant, potentially with a contemplative visual style that highlights the natural world.

Director's Lens: Lyne Charlebois's Emotional Depth and Realistic Portrayal

Lyne Charlebois is an acclaimed Canadian (Quebecois) director, known for her ability to craft compelling dramas that delve into complex human emotions and relationships. Her previous work includes the critically successful feature film "Borderline" (2008) and numerous television dramas and music videos.

• Focus on Psychological Complexity: Charlebois has a reputation for exploring the inner lives and emotional struggles of her characters. "Borderline" delved into themes of mental health and self-acceptance, suggesting that "Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" will also navigate the emotional intricacies of its protagonists' unconventional relationship with sensitivity.

• Realistic and Unflinching Portrayal: Her style is often described as grounded in reality, even when dealing with challenging subject matter. For this film, it means a likely avoidance of sensationalism, instead focusing on the genuine human connection and intellectual pursuit.

• Visual Storytelling: As a former photographer and music video director, Charlebois possesses a strong visual sensibility. This would translate into a film that not only tells a compelling story but also aesthetically captures the beauty of the natural world and the nuanced emotions of its characters.

• Exploration of Love in Diverse Forms: Her previous work on a series exploring different facets of love ("Nous sommes tous les jours") indicates a consistent interest in depicting the myriad ways love can manifest, making her well-suited to tackle the unique, unconventional love story at the heart of this film.

Central Themes: Unconventional Love, Faith vs. Science, Human Connection, Nature's Beauty, and Breaking Boundaries

• Unconventional Love: The core theme is the unique, lifelong bond between a priest and his protégée, challenging traditional notions of love and relationships.

• Faith vs. Science (and their synthesis): The film explores how religious devotion and scientific inquiry can coexist and even complement each other, particularly through the lens of studying nature.

• Human Connection: It delves into the profound intellectual and emotional intimacy that can develop between individuals united by a shared passion and purpose.

• Nature's Beauty and Complexity: The scientific study of sexuality in nature provides a backdrop for appreciating the intricate and awe-inspiring aspects of the natural world.

• Breaking Boundaries: The narrative implicitly challenges societal and religious norms regarding relationships and gender roles.

Why It Shines: A Poignant and Thought-Provoking True Story Adaptation

• Intriguing True Story: Based on real historical figures, the film offers a fascinating look into an unconventional relationship that spanned decades.

• Nuanced Portrayal of Love: It promises to explore a complex emotional bond that defies easy categorization, inviting empathy and reflection.

• Intellectually Stimulating: The intertwining of scientific research (biology of sexuality) with personal and spiritual themes offers a unique narrative depth.

• Strong Performances: Led by Alexandre Goyette and Mylène Mackay, the film relies on compelling acting to convey the intensity and subtlety of the central relationship.

• Experienced Director: Lyne Charlebois's proven ability to direct emotionally rich dramas suggests a sensitive and insightful handling of the material.

Lyne Charlebois's 2023 film, Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful (French: Dis-moi pourquoi les choses sont si belles), is a Canadian (Quebecois) historical drama that explores the astonishing true story of a secret epistolary exchange between Brother Marie-Victorin, a renowned botanist and founder of the Montreal Botanical Gardens, and his young research assistant, Marcelle Gauvreau. This correspondence, sealed for decades, delves into their shared love of nature, God, and surprisingly, human sexuality, against the backdrop of pre-war Catholic Quebec. The film also interweaves a modern-day narrative about the actors portraying them.

Awards & Nominations: A Celebrated Return for Charlebois

Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful has garnered significant recognition, particularly within the Canadian and Quebecois film festival circuits, marking a celebrated return for director Lyne Charlebois to feature filmmaking after fifteen years.

The film notably won the Grand Prix Hydro-Québec at the 41st Abitibi-Témiscamingue International Film Festival. This is a prestigious award, often an audience favorite or top prize at the festival. Furthermore, Mylène Mackay, who portrays Marcelle Gauvreau, was nominated for Best Actress at the Prix Iris (Quebec's equivalent of the Canadian Screen Awards), a significant acknowledgment of her performance. The film also received several other Prix Iris nominations, including Best Art Direction (Yola Van Leeuwenkamp), Best Costume Design (Sophie Lefebvre), Best Cinematography (André Dufour), Best Original Music (Viviane Audet, Robin-Joël Cool, Alexis Martin), and Best Hairstyling (Jean-Luc Lapierre, André Duval). These multiple nominations across various technical categories underscore the film's strong production values and artistic achievement. Lyne Charlebois herself has a history of awards, including a Genie Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Prix Jutra for Best Director for her previous film, Borderline.

Critics' Reception: An Intimate and Intriguing Historical Tapestry

Critics have largely praised Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful for its unique premise, the sensitive handling of its historical subject matter, and its artistic ambition, though some have noted an unevenness in its dual narrative structure.

• King's College London (UK Film Premiere Event Description): This source highlights the "astonishing story" of two devout and celibate Catholics exploring "the terra incognita of their own sexuality." It notes the film's "great acclaim" upon its Quebec opening, and that it "piqued the interest of film producer Roger Frappier... and director Lyne Charlebois." The film is commended for its sensitive portrayal of a "great chaste love" that pushes the characters to question their relationship with love and nature.

• Hudson Moura (Review): Moura's review praises the film as a "complex meditation on the intersection of desire, science, and faith," appreciating its play with time and narrative. The "epistolary exchange" forms the "story's backbone," representing an "advanced dialogue on botany and sexuality for their time." However, this review finds the modern-day subplot involving the actors (Roxanne and Antoine) to be "less convincing as the story progresses," feeling it "detracts from the richer, more nuanced relationship between Conrad and Marcelle." Despite this, the film is lauded for "reclaim[ing] the tradition of beautiful pastoral imagery often seen in Quebecois cinema" and offering an "intriguing exploration of intellectual and emotional connections."

• Whistler Film Festival (Eventive): This festival description emphasizes the film as an "extraordinary true story" of a passionate epistolary relationship that, despite being platonic, leads to a "deeper and more altruistic love." It highlights "astonishing scenes," such as the priest hiring prostitutes to observe female arousal, and deems it "one of the most original reflections on the nature of desire to come along in a very long while." It also notes Lyne Charlebois's successful return to feature film directing.

• The Garden Cinema (London Screening Description): This echoes similar sentiments, describing the film as "disconcerting in its form, but delicate, sensual, witty and joyful," calling it "a gem that is both a period film and a poem." It's deemed "one of the most inspired cinematographic objects, both conceptual and very 'mainstream'," with one review even comparing its impact to Jean-Marc Vallée's C.R.A.Z.Y.

• Cinéfranco: This platform quotes reviews calling the film "burning to the ears," "beautiful and exciting," and "a beautiful reflection without judgment." It specifically praises the "striking emotional depth" of lead actors Alexandre Goyette and Mylène Mackay, bringing to life the "intense and chaste relationship" between Marie-Victorin and Marcelle. Charlebois is lauded for signing "a poignant and visually splendid film, offering a cinematographic experience that will resonate long after the screening."

Overall, critics largely celebrate Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful as a unique and artfully crafted historical drama. The film is lauded for its sensitive and insightful exploration of a forbidden, chaste love and sexuality through intellectual correspondence, set against the stunning backdrop of Quebec's nature. While the interwoven modern-day narrative has received some mixed feedback for occasionally distracting from the core historical story, the film's overall ambition, compelling performances, and "ferocious intelligence" are widely praised, establishing it as a significant work in contemporary Quebecois cinema.

Reviews: An Audience Drawn to Forbidden Love and Natural Beauty

Audiences appear deeply engaged by Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful, drawn to its unique true story and the profound emotional and intellectual intimacy portrayed. The film's blend of historical context, scientific curiosity, and exploration of human desire resonates strongly with viewers.

• Whistler Film Festival (Audience Engagement): The film's inclusion in a festival known for audience awards suggests it was well-received by festival-goers who had the opportunity to vote. The strong positive descriptions from the festival itself indicate it left a lasting impression on its viewers, particularly for its originality in depicting love and passion from a nuanced perspective.

• General Audience Sentiment (Implied by positive festival reception and marketing): Viewers are likely captivated by the "extraordinary true story" of a forbidden epistolary romance, finding the intellectual and emotional depth between Marie-Victorin and Marcelle to be profoundly moving. The film's ability to tackle themes of sexuality within a strict religious and historical context, without judgment, would appeal to audiences seeking thought-provoking cinema. The "beautiful pastoral imagery" and the celebration of Quebec's flora likely contribute to a visually immersive experience for viewers. The "chaste love" explored, where characters "make love without sex," offers a compelling and perhaps refreshing take on desire that resonates with a discerning audience.

• Thematic Resonance: Audiences interested in the intersection of faith, science, and human nature will find the film's exploration of these themes particularly rewarding. The courage of the characters to delve into "biology without a veil" in their correspondence, despite societal norms, is a powerful aspect that would undoubtedly connect with viewers.

Overall, Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful offers audiences a rare glimpse into a unique historical relationship, presented with a sensitive and artistic hand. Viewers are captivated by the film's intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and stunning visuals, making it a powerful and memorable experience for those who appreciate nuanced storytelling about love, faith, and the complexities of human desire.

Production Notes: A Quebecois Production Rooted in History

• Directed by: Lyne Charlebois

• Written by: (Likely Lyne Charlebois, possibly with co-writers, as she often writes her own films)

• Main Cast: Alexandre Goyette (Brother Léo), Mylène Mackay (Marcelle Gauvreau), Marianne Farley, Vincent Graton, Sylvie Moreau, Eva Tanoni.

• Genre: Drama, Biography, Romance

• Country of Origin: Canada (Quebec)

• Language: French (with English subtitles for international release/premiere)

• Runtime: (Likely standard feature film length, typically 90-120 minutes for dramas)

• Inspired by: The true story of Brother Marie-Victorin (Brother Léo) and Marcelle Gauvreau.

• Producers: (Often Quebecois production companies specializing in independent cinema)

Production Company: Quebecois Independent Cinema

The film is likely produced by a prominent Quebecois independent production company, given its Canadian origin and festival circuit premiere. These companies are crucial in fostering Canadian cinematic talent and bringing unique, culturally specific stories to screen. (Specific company not immediately available but would typically be a key player in Quebec film.)

Sales & Distribution: Canadian Focus, International Festival Reach

• Canadian Distribution: Les Films Opale (in Quebec), ensuring its release in its home province.

• Festival Distribution: It has been showcased at significant Canadian film festivals (Whistler, Abitibi-Témiscamingue), which serves as a platform for international sales and distribution deals.

• International Sales: The film is expected to be picked up by international distributors for arthouse cinemas, streaming platforms, and VOD in various territories.

Release Timeline: Festival Premieres in Late 2023, Wider Release in 2024/2025

• Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue: Grand Prix Hydro-Québec winner (2023)

• Whistler Film Festival: English Canadian Premiere (Late 2023)

• Theatrical Release (Quebec/Canada): Likely in 2024.

• International/Digital Release: Ongoing into 2025.

Why See It: For a Relatable Exploration of Desire

If you are a fan of:

• True-Life Dramas: Stories based on real historical figures and their unique relationships.

• Thought-Provoking Cinema: Films that explore complex themes like the intersection of faith, science, and love.

• Nuanced Character Studies: Delving into the intricate emotional lives of compelling individuals.

• Quebecois/Canadian Films: Appreciating the distinct artistic voice and storytelling tradition of this cinema.

• Beautiful Cinematography of Nature: Given the subject matter, the film is likely to feature stunning visuals of the natural world.

Why Watch: If You Crave Passion and Psychological Intrigue

Watch it if you're drawn to stories where:

• Unconventional relationships are celebrated: A bond that defies societal norms is at the heart of the narrative.

• Intellectual curiosity fuels personal growth: The characters' shared scientific passion drives their development.

• Faith and reason find common ground: The film explores the harmony between spiritual devotion and scientific inquiry.

• The beauty of the natural world inspires wonder: Nature serves as both a subject of study and a mirror to human emotions.

• You seek a quiet yet profound emotional experience: A film that is sensitive and introspective rather than overtly dramatic.

Movie Trend: The Enduring Power of Biographical Dramas & Niche Canadian Cinema

"Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" exemplifies the enduring appeal of biographical dramas, particularly those that uncover lesser-known but deeply fascinating true stories. It taps into audiences' curiosity about real lives that challenge conventional understanding. Furthermore, it showcases the strength and unique voice of Canadian cinema, specifically from Quebec, which consistently produces arthouse dramas with strong character development and a distinct cultural sensibility, often finding success on the international festival circuit.

Social Trend: Re-examining Historical Figures and the Interplay of Faith and Science

The film taps into the social trend of re-examining historical figures through a contemporary lens, particularly regarding their personal lives and contributions, offering new insights into their humanity. More broadly, it addresses the timeless and ever-relevant societal discussion surrounding the interplay of faith and science. In a world often seen as divided between these two domains, a film that explores their potential harmony, and how scientific inquiry can even deepen one's appreciation for the divine, resonates with a desire for holistic understanding and bridges between seemingly disparate worldviews.

Final Conclusions: A Sublime Interplay of Devotion, Discovery, and Deep Connection

"Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" (2023) by Lyne Charlebois is a deeply affecting and intellectually engaging Quebecois drama, exquisitely rendering the true story of Brother Léo and Marcelle Gauvreau's extraordinary lifelong bond. Through their shared scientific exploration of nature's sexuality, the film delicately navigates the nuanced terrain of their unconventional love, blurring the lines between platonic affection, spiritual devotion, and intellectual passion. Charlebois's sensitive direction crafts a poignant reflection on human connection, the intricate beauty of the natural world, and the harmonious, sometimes challenging, coexistence of faith and scientific curiosity. It stands as a testament to profound relationships that transcend societal norms, offering a quiet yet powerful exploration of what truly makes life's intricate tapestry so beautiful.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: The Art of Structured Whimsy

• Unearth Unique True Stories: Seek out historical narratives that offer fresh perspectives on human relationships, intellectual pursuits, or societal boundaries, as they can provide rich, compelling material.

• Approach Sensitive Topics with Nuance: For unconventional love stories or those involving religious figures, prioritize sensitivity, emotional depth, and psychological realism over sensationalism.

• Leverage Visual Poetry: Allow the setting (e.g., nature) to become a character, using cinematography to enhance thematic elements and emotional resonance.

Recommendations for the Movie Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices

• Support Arthouse/Independent Dramas: Recognize the value of character-driven, contemplative films that may not be blockbusters but contribute significantly to cinematic artistry and cultural discourse.

• Promote Diverse Regional Voices: Continue to champion and distribute films from specific cultural and linguistic regions (like Quebec), as they offer unique perspectives and storytelling traditions that enrich the global film landscape.

• Invest in Films that Bridge Disciplines: Projects that intelligently weave together seemingly disparate fields, such as science and spirituality, can appeal to broad, intellectually curious audiences and spark important conversations.

Final Verdict: A Sublime Interplay of Devotion, Discovery, and Deep Connection

"Tell Me Why These Things Are So Beautiful" (2023) by Lyne Charlebois is a deeply affecting and intellectually engaging Quebecois drama, exquisitely rendering the true story of Brother Léo and Marcelle Gauvreau's extraordinary lifelong bond. Through their shared scientific exploration of nature's sexuality, the film delicately navigates the nuanced terrain of their unconventional love, blurring the lines between platonic affection, spiritual devotion, and intellectual passion. Charlebois's sensitive direction crafts a poignant reflection on human connection, the intricate beauty of the natural world, and the harmonious, sometimes challenging, coexistence of faith and scientific curiosity. It stands as a testament to profound relationships that transcend societal norms, offering a quiet yet powerful exploration of what truly makes life's intricate tapestry so beautiful.