OVID.tv Presents THE SWEET ESCAPE Review—A Man, Kayak, and No Plan

Posted on by Diana Jordan

The wind is blowing softly, leaves rustling against one another in the French summer heat. Oversized blankets are scattered across the lawn, and a guitar is strumming rhythmically in the background as guests talk and enjoy their meals. Michael takes the hand of Laetitia and dances with her, their feet flowing in sync like the river beside them. Couples play badminton in the background, while others refill their glasses of red wine with a smile on their face.

What could ruin this moment? His sweet escape seemed to be going accordingly, until Laetitia told him that the pictures he had been sending to his wife throughout his trip had his location attached—and he had been lying about where he was the entire time.

Directed by Bruno Podalydès (Michael), The Sweet Escape sheds light on the desire to escape the reality of everyday mundane life and just…get away. For fifty year old Michael, that is building a kayak, taking a week off of work, and floating down a river with no plan.

His blue kayak is stuffed to the brim with essentials—fire extinguisher, a tent, protective gear, first aid kit—only to have traveled not even halfway down the river and pitch camp at a rustic café for the rest of his trip.

All along, Michael’s dream is to fly an airplane. Often when he drifts down the hazy river, he closes his eyes and pictures himself high in the sky, floating through the wispy clouds into the stars.

THE SWEET ESCAPE Juxtaposes Expectations with Reality…

When awoken from that dream, he is frequently passed out drunk in the tall grass, or sleeping with Laetitia, the café’s owner, whom he met on his quest. Days spent at the café include eating warm Shepard’s pie, drinking ice cold beer, and strumming a guitar in his tent during the night. There are times when he tries to leave and continue on his journey, yet he somehow always finds himself back at the same spot, like a puppet being pulled by a string.

Absinthe-filled glasses, plates with warm meals, and whispers of conversations are what he settles for instead of an adventurous airplane ride. Each scene gradually shows Michael feeling free and unbothered. Meanwhile, at home, Michael’s wife is having her own adventure too…with his boss.

This film might be relatable to people who are feeling they are stuck in a rut and may need a spontaneous getaway. Or, if you enjoy watching other people’s comical escapades—this one is for you. The film is in French, so be prepared to read captions.

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CAST:

Bruno Podalydès as Michel
Sandrine Kiberlain as Rachelle
Agnès Jaoui as Laëtitia
Vimala Pons as Mila
Denis Podalydès as Rémi
Michel Vuillermoz as Christoph
Noémie Lvovsky as Madame Pirchtate
Benjamin Lavernhe as Bernard
Jean-Noël Brouté as Damien
Pierre Arditi as a fisherman
Samir Guesmi as The Deliveryman

CREATIVE TEAM:

Directed by: Bruno Podalydès
Written by: Bruno Podalydès
Produced by: Pascal Caucheteux

To watch the film, visit the OVID.tv page for THE SWEET ESCAPE.

Images courtesy of OVID.tv

 

Diana Jordan

About the Author: Diana Jordan

A few pieces of paper, folded in the middle with two staples on the crease. That was all Diana needed to spark her imagination and get her pencil moving. This happened at age six, and now Diana is still writing seventeen years later, however in a more modern way…on a computer. Books are her escape, knowing it’s a world away from reality that anyone can vanish in. She is inspired by characters, their actions, and the lessons they learn. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s tanning at the beach. Check out some of Diana’s sample work at dianajordan website.

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