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Two of Us film image; two women smiling at one another

Movie theatres usually discourage talking but our latest series is designed to encourage it — before and after (not during) the show. Aimed at film lovers 55+ (but open to all), Talking Pictures offers audience-friendly festival films, refreshments, and an open invitation to chat about our shared experience of the movie. Tickets are just $10. Bring a buddy and get two tickets for $16!

Something more than a love story (though it is certainly that), this gripping French psychological drama is as tense and edgy as a thriller. Nina (former Fassbinder muse Barbara Sukowa) has the apartment immediately adjacent to Madeleine’s (Martine Chevallier), which is convenient: the two women have been lovers for decades, though Mado has kept this a secret from her grown children. Then a stroke renders Madeleine paralyzed and incapable of speech, and Nina falls into a bitter duel with her round-the-clock caregiver, who doesn’t appreciate this assertive neighbour’s persistent offers of help…

[A] gut-wrenching love story with humorous touches, melded with an unlikely thriller. Beautifully crafted and perfectly cast, the film touches on everything from keeping up appearances and family dynamics between parents and adult children to a critique of retirement homes that over-medicate residents. Nina and Mado’s loving intimacy is exquisite as is the care with which the proceedings are lit. The answer to Nina’s question, who cares about two old dykes, is that we do.

Lisa Nesselson, Screen Daily

This is a smart movie that starts from a relatively simple yet captivating premise and then steadily gains in complexity as it develops.

David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

An entirely unique and uniquely vital lesbian love story.

Mark Keizer, Variety

Director

Filippo Meneghetti

Cast

Barbara Sukowa, Martine Chevallier, Léa Drucker, Muriel Benazeraf, Jérôme Varanfrain

Credits
Country of Origin

France

Year

2020

Language

In French with English subtitles

19+
95 min
Paprika Films

Book Tickets

Tuesday September 23

11:00 am
Hearing Assistance Subtitles
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
Book Now

Credits

Producer

Pierre-Emmanuel Fleurantin, Laurent Baujard

Screenwriter

Filippo Meneghetti, Malysone Bovorasmy

Cinematography

Aurélien Marra

Editor

Ronan Tronchot

Original Music

Michele Menini

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