Pauline at the Beach (1983)

Director: Éric Rohmer

Stars: Amanda Langlet, Arielle Dombasle, Pascal Greggory

Runtime: 95 minutes

Synopsis: Marion is about to divorce from her husband and takes her 15-year-old niece Pauline on a vacation to Granville. She meets an old love...

Verdict: Another day, another Éric Rohmer film to brighten my mood! The French director’s reclining style is one I cannot get enough of during these stressful times. His movies are sublime, sunny, and uplifting in their own special way, blurring the line between ultra-realism and dreamlike sceneries.

“Pauline at the Beach” is yet another project of his that checks all three components that make his work so ever soothing. With radiant characters, engaging dialogue, and locations that will make your eyes melt, it’s a film that succeeds at showcasing a handful of characters’ views on love and relationships while maintaining a light ambiance that makes for a perfect after-midnight watch. I absolutely adored sitting back to experience Marion and Pauline’s holiday at Granville that quickly takes an unexpected turn when the former stumbles onto an old flame of hers.

I have yet to see a Rohmer picture that I’d call a true masterpiece, but God is his work so consistently great. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

FINAL GRADE: 8/10