New Movies: The Quiet Son (2024) by Delphine Coulin, Muriel Coulin

"The Quiet Son (2024)": Familial Bonds Tested by Rising Extremism

Description: Directed by the French sister duo Delphine and Muriel Coulin, "The Quiet Son (2024)," originally titled "Jouer avec le feu" (Playing with Fire), is a powerful Franco-Belgian drama that delves into the fracturing of a close-knit family by radical political ideology. The film centers on a widowed father, Pierre, and his two sons, one of whom becomes increasingly drawn to far-right extremist groups, creating a deep chasm between him and his left-leaning father, leading to inevitable conflict and tragedy.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28601337/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/the-quiet-son-review-vincent-lindon-1236121529/

About movie: https://playtime.group/film/659bd81d43eb840002f33099

Link to watch: https://en.unifrance.org/movie/58504/the-quiet-son (Belgium)

Detailed Summary: Pierre, a widower in his fifties, has raised his two sons, Louis and Fus, on his own, fostering a seemingly strong and close family unit in a working-class city in northern France. As the younger son, Louis, prepares to leave home for university in Paris, the older son, Fus (whose nickname comes from "foosball"), begins to become more withdrawn and secretive. Fus develops a dangerous fascination with violence and becomes increasingly involved with local far-right extremist groups whose values are diametrically opposed to everything his father, a railway worker and union man, believes in. The film portrays the growing distance and ideological clash between Pierre and Fus, highlighting the father's despair as he witnesses his son embrace hateful ideologies. Amidst the love that still exists between them, the film explores the painful tension, the attempts at understanding and reconciliation, and the devastating consequences when their differing worlds collide, ultimately leading to tragedy. The narrative is an intimate examination of how external political forces can infiltrate and dismantle even the strongest familial bonds.

Plot Summary:

• Pierre, a widowed father, lives with his two sons, Louis and Fus.

• Louis prepares to leave for university, while Fus becomes secretive.

• Fus becomes involved with far-right extremist groups, clashing with his father's values.

• The film depicts the growing tension and ideological divide within the family.

• The conflict between father and son escalates, leading to a tragic outcome.

The plot is a character-driven drama focusing on the destructive impact of political extremism on a family unit.

Director's Vision: Delphine and Muriel Coulin, who also co-wrote the screenplay based on Laurent Petitmangin's novel "What You Need from the Night," aimed to create a sensitive and dramatic character study on family love, betrayal, and the difficult question of forgiveness in the face of radicalization. Their vision is to explore not only why a young person might be drawn to extremist ideologies but also the profound impact this has on the family members who love them. They have described the film as a "game of three-cushioned billiards between love and hate," highlighting the complex emotional dynamic at play. The directors likely sought to portray the working-class environment and the social factors that might contribute to a sense of disillusionment and vulnerability, potentially pushing individuals towards extremist groups. They aimed for a sense of intimacy and urgency to propel this timely family drama, grappling with questions of acceptance and finding common ground despite seemingly insurmountable ideological differences. The film can be seen as a reflection on contemporary French society and the challenges of navigating political divides within families.

Themes:

• Family Love and Loyalty: The enduring bond between a father and his sons is a central theme, tested to its limits by ideological conflict.

• Political Extremism and Radicalization: The film explores the factors that draw young people to far-right extremist groups and the destructive consequences of such involvement.

• Ideological Conflict within Families: The stark contrast between the father's left-leaning values and the son's extremist views highlights the painful divisions that political ideologies can create within families.

• Paternal Despair and Unconditional Love: Pierre's character embodies the despair of a parent watching their child embrace hateful ideologies, while also grappling with the complexities of unconditional love.

• Social and Economic Disillusionment: The film's setting in a "rust belt" city suggests an exploration of how socioeconomic factors and a sense of being marginalized can contribute to vulnerability to extremist recruitment.

Key Success Factors:

• Powerful and Timely Subject Matter: The film tackles the relevant and sensitive issue of radicalization and its impact on families, resonating with contemporary concerns.

• Exceptional Performances: The casting of acclaimed actors like Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin in the central roles provides a strong foundation for the film's emotional intensity. Lindon's Volpi Cup win is a testament to his performance.

• Direction by the Coulin Sisters: Delphine and Muriel Coulin's established reputation for creating intimate and socially relevant dramas contributes to the film's artistic credibility.

• Award Recognition: Winning the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival significantly raised the film's profile and critical attention.

• Adaptation of a Respected Novel: Being based on Laurent Petitmangin's novel provides a strong narrative structure and thematic depth.

Summary Short: A widowed father's bond with his son is shattered when the son embraces far-right extremism, leading to tragic consequences in this French drama.

Awards and Nominations: "The Quiet Son (2024)" has received notable awards and recognition:

• Venice International Film Festival 2024: Winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for Vincent Lindon's performance. The film was also in the Official Competition for the Golden Lion.

• Chicago International Film Festival 2024: Winner of the Silver Hugo for Best Male Actor for Benjamin Voisin.

• Barcelona-Sant Jordi International Film Festival 2025: Nominated for the Best Film Award.

• Other Festival Selections: The film has been selected for numerous other international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, Cinemania Film Festival, Arras Film Festival, Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF), France Odeon - Florence, Festival du Film Francophone de Grèce, Festival du cinéma français en Israël, Rendez-Vous With French Cinema in New York, Göteborg Film Festival, Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Paris, and Tromsø International Film Festival.

Critics Reception: "The Quiet Son (2024)" has received generally positive reviews from film critics, with particular praise for its powerful performances and its sensitive handling of a difficult subject.

• Cineuropa: The review describes the film as a "remarkable film about the upheaval caused to a family of three when one of them drifts far-right." It highlights the Coulin sisters' ability to craft a compelling drama about paternal and fraternal love, betrayal, and forgiveness. The review also praises the performances of the lead actors.

• Movies We Texted About: The review calls it a "remarkably powerful film" that examines complex issues with a rare combination of "clear eyes and an open heart." It specifically praises Vincent Lindon's performance as heartbreaking and nuanced and Benjamin Voisin's portrayal of the son as remarkable.

• Dennis Schwartz Reviews: While giving it a C+, the review describes the film as a "dramatic and sensitive character study on a family's love, passion and regret." It praises Vincent Lindon's "sensitive portrayal" but suggests the film needed a broader vision to fully explore the roots of the son's radicalization.

• IMDb User Reviews: User reviews on IMDb are generally positive (with an average rating around 6.5/10 based on 81 votes as of May 15, 2025), reflecting appreciation for the film's emotional depth and the strong performances.

Overall Critics Reception: Critical reception is mostly positive, with strong recognition for the film's emotional impact and the powerful performances of Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin. The film is seen as a timely and relevant exploration of the impact of political extremism on families, although some critics might have wished for a deeper dive into the reasons behind the son's radicalization. Its festival success and awards further solidify its positive critical standing.

Reviews: Reviews for "The Quiet Son" consistently highlight the film's emotional core and the strength of its acting.

• Cineuropa: Emphasizes the film's exploration of the family dynamic amidst political division and the strong performances.

• Variety (from award reporting): While a full review wasn't available in the search results, the reporting on Vincent Lindon's Volpi Cup win indicates significant recognition from a major publication.

• Various Festival Reviews: Reviews from the numerous film festivals where it screened generally praise the film's timely themes, the Coulin sisters' direction, and the compelling performances.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews indicate that "The Quiet Son" is a critically appreciated film, particularly for its sensitive portrayal of a family struggling with radicalization and the powerful performances of its lead actors.

Box Office: As of April 27, 2025, "The Quiet Son (2024)" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $3.5 million. The majority of this comes from its theatrical release in France, where it grossed over $3.3 million after opening on January 22, 2025. The film also had limited releases in Italy and Portugal, contributing to the total gross. As an independent drama, these figures represent a respectable performance, particularly within the context of European art-house cinema.

Production: "The Quiet Son (2024)" is a French film produced by Felicita Films and Curiosa Films, with co-production from France 3 Cinéma and Umedia. The screenplay was written by Delphine Coulin and Muriel Coulin, based on the novel by Laurent Petitmangin. The film benefited from support from Canal+. The cinematography was handled by Frédéric Noirhomme, and the music was composed by Pawel Mykietyn. The production aimed to create an intimate and realistic portrayal of the family's life and the environment in which they live.

Production Companies:

• Felicita Films (France)

• Curiosa Films (France)

• France 3 Cinéma (France)

• Umedia (Belgium) - Listed as a co-production partner, indicating Belgian involvement in production.

Sales Companies:

• Playtime (France) - Handles the international sales for the film, responsible for selling distribution rights to various territories worldwide.

Distribution Companies:

• Ad Vitam Distribution (France) - Theatrical distributor in France.

• Cinéart (Belgium) - Theatrical distributor in Belgium.

• Pathé Films AG (French-speaking Switzerland) - Theatrical distributor in French-speaking Switzerland.

• I Wonder Pictures (Italy) - Theatrical distributor in Italy.

• Outsider Films LDA (Portugal) - Theatrical distributor in Portugal.

• Axia Films (Quebec, Canada) - Theatrical distributor in Quebec.

• Flamingo Films (Spain) - Theatrical distributor in Spain (scheduled for June 27, 2025).

• KlikFilm (Indonesia) - Listed for video distribution.

• Other international distributors would acquire rights from Playtime for release in their respective territories.

Theatrical Release: "The Quiet Son (2024)" premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2024. It had its theatrical release in France on January 22, 2025, and subsequently in other territories like Belgium (January 29, 2025), French-speaking Switzerland (January 22, 2025), Portugal (February 6, 2025), Italy (February 27, 2025), and is scheduled for Spain (June 27, 2025). It has also screened at numerous international film festivals throughout late 2024 and early 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Powerful and Emotionally Resonant Story: The film tackles a difficult but important subject with sensitivity and depth, offering a moving portrayal of familial struggle.

• Outstanding Performances: Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin deliver highly praised performances that are central to the film's impact.

• Timely and Relevant Themes: The film's exploration of radicalization and political division within a family is highly relevant to contemporary society.

• Award-Winning Recognition: The Volpi Cup win for Vincent Lindon and other festival awards highlight the film's artistic quality and significance.

Why to Watch Movie:

• To See Award-Winning Acting: Experience the performances that earned Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin significant awards.

• For a Thought-Provoking Drama: If you appreciate films that explore complex social and familial issues, this movie offers a compelling narrative.

• To Understand the Impact of Extremism: The film provides an intimate look at how extremist ideologies can affect personal relationships and family dynamics.

• Support European Art-House Cinema: Watching this film supports independent filmmaking and provides exposure to diverse cinematic voices.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Social Realism / Contemporary European Drama: The film aligns with the trend of European cinema that focuses on realistic portrayals of contemporary social issues, often exploring the impact of political and economic factors on individual lives and families.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Rising Political Polarization and Extremism: The film directly addresses the significant global social trend of increasing political polarization and the worrying rise of extremist ideologies, particularly among youth, and examines its devastating consequences on personal relationships and societal cohesion.

Final Verdict: "The Quiet Son (2024)" is a gripping and profoundly moving drama that fearlessly confronts the painful reality of how political extremism can shatter familial bonds. Delphine and Muriel Coulin have crafted a timely and essential film, anchored by exceptional performances from Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin, which resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. The film's strength lies in its intimate portrayal of a father's despair and the complex dynamics within a family torn apart by ideology. While the film's focus is primarily on the impact of radicalization rather than a detailed examination of its root causes, it nonetheless serves as a powerful and sobering commentary on the divisive forces at play in contemporary society. Its recognition at major film festivals and the awards for its actors underscore its artistic merit and its importance as a conversation starter. "The Quiet Son" is a must-watch for those seeking thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinema that grapples with the challenging realities of our time.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Address Timely and Sensitive Social Issues: "The Quiet Son" demonstrates that films engaging with difficult but relevant social issues can resonate deeply with audiences and critics.

• Prioritize Strong Character Development and Performances: Investing in compelling characters and casting talented actors who can embody their complexities is crucial for dramas of this nature.

• Adaptation of Literature: Drawing from well-regarded literary sources can provide a strong foundation for rich and nuanced storytelling.

• Explore International Co-Production and Sales: Collaborating with international partners and securing a strong international sales agent can help films with potentially challenging subject matter reach a wider global audience.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Films that Tackle Difficult Subjects: The industry should continue to support and fund films that explore sensitive and timely social and political issues, even if they are not overtly commercial.

• Recognize and Promote Strong Performances: Highlight and promote actors who deliver powerful performances in challenging roles, as their work is essential to the impact of such films.

• Provide Platforms for Diverse Voices and Perspectives: Ensure that films from various countries and with different cultural and political perspectives have opportunities for distribution and exhibition.

• Facilitate Educational and Conversational Opportunities: For films dealing with complex social issues like radicalization, consider facilitating discussions or providing resources to encourage deeper engagement and understanding among audiences.

Final Conclusions: "The Quiet Son (2024)" is a significant and impactful film that bravely tackles the painful consequences of political extremism on family. Anchored by stunning performances from Vincent Lindon and Benjamin Voisin, and guided by the sensitive direction of Delphine and Muriel Coulin, the movie offers a poignant and timely portrayal of love, betrayal, and the struggle for understanding in a polarized world. While it is a difficult film to watch at times, its emotional honesty and compelling narrative make it a vital piece of contemporary cinema. "The Quiet Son" is a powerful reminder of the human cost of ideological division and a testament to the enduring, albeit tested, strength of familial bonds.