Review: One Fine Morning showcases Mia Hansen-Løve’s masterful ability to capture the bittersweet complexities of life in both the good and the bad. Léa Seydoux and Pascal Greggory star.
Mia Hansen-Løve‘s One Fine Morning is a poignant and introspective journey through grief, family, and unexpected love. The movie delivers a nuanced and emotionally charged portrait of a woman juggling the complexities of life. Léa Seydoux shines as Sandra, a widow and translator burdened by the dual responsibilities of caring for her young daughter and her father, Georg, who struggles with a debilitating neurodegenerative disease. Seydoux effortlessly embodies Sandra’s quiet strength and vulnerability, making you intimately feel her every struggle and fleeting moment of joy.
The film masterfully weaves two narratives: Sandra’s escalating responsibilities surrounding Georg’s deteriorating health and her unexpected romantic entanglement with Clément (Melvil Poupaud), a married friend of her late husband. Both storylines feel grounded and authentic, never venturing into melodrama or cliché.
Pascal Greggory delivers a heartbreaking performance as Georg, capturing the gradual erosion of his mind and identity with chilling accuracy. His presence adds a layer of raw vulnerability to One Fine Morning, highlighting the toll of illness on both the patient and their loved ones.
And while the romance between Sandra and Clément may feel familiar territory for Hansen-Løve, it’s handled with her trademark subtlety and emotional honesty. The ambiguity of their relationship and the ethical complexities it raises keeps you engaged and questioning.
Despite its strengths, One Fine Morning does suffer from pacing issues at times, as well as feeling less substantial than Mia Hansen-Løve’s best movies. The slow-burn approach, while effective in portraying the melancholic mood of the film, might leave some viewers yearning for a more dynamic narrative. Additionally, the resolution of the Clément storyline feels somewhat rushed and abrupt, leaving room for interpretation but also a tinge of frustration.
However, the film’s strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings. The intimate performances, the nuanced exploration of grief and love, and the beautifully captured Parisian setting make One Fine Morning a deeply affecting and thought-provoking, yet fleeting, experience.
Ultimately a moving and beautifully portrayed drama, One Fine Morning showcases Mia Hansen-Løve’s masterful ability to capture the bittersweet complexities of life in both the good and the bad. Léa Seydoux and Pascal Greggory deliver superb quiet performances, and the film’s exploration of grief, family, and unexpected love resonates deeply. While the pacing is occasionally slow and the ending slightly underwhelming and eventful, the film’s strengths make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking a contemplative and emotionally engaging drama.
Score: 6/10
Watch One Fine Morning (2023) on Amazon Prime Video and VOD
One Fine Morning Cast
Cast
Léa Seydoux as Sandra
Pascal Greggory as Georg
Melvil Poupaud as Clément
Nicole Garcia as Françoise
Camille Leban Martins as Linn
Crew
Director: Mia Hansen-Løve
Writer: Mia Hansen-Løve
Cinematography: Denis Lenoir
Editor: Marion Monnier
