La Disparition des lucioles

I do not remember when I last saw a French-spoken film with such likeable characters. Well, it may be because it's a Canadian film. I found myself at the screening by mistake, and that made me even more excited. It was probably fate that I ended up at a movie that I originally had no plan to watch at all, but I am really glad I did. From the synopses, it didn't seem exceptional to me, it seemed like a typical coming-of-age drama, of which there are many released throughout the year - so nothing that I necessarily have to see. Oooh, how wrong I was! I am sure it will hit someone exactly as I wrote - but it hit me in every way. This unexpected experience came like a bolt from the blue and I must say, it felt as if Fireflies were speaking directly to me. I fully understood Léo - I understood her feelings and uncertainties, her contemplations on life and overall journey through a significant life stage. An important part of the film is also her relationship with the good-hearted rocker Steve, who is another crucial character in the story. Unlike Léo, who doesn't know yet what to do with herself, Steve experiences burnout syndrome from unfulfilled dreams. Léo's relationships with her father, mother, and stepfather were also very interestingly portrayed, exploring somewhat unexpected aspects several times. Léo both visually and characteristically reminded me a bit of Linda Cardellini in Freaks and Geeks - intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, and unique young girl who is looking for herself and is a bit of a rebel, but definitely not without reason. Being different from the majority is not easy, and as Léo's horoscope says at the end of the film - the chances of finding your soul mate in these days are slim, but if it happens, it will be crucial. (2018-06-30)