Les êtres chers (2015) Watch Online Free

1978. In a small village in Bas-St-Laurent, Guy’s tragic death is a shock for the Leblanc family. For many years, the real cause of his death is kept hidden from some members of the family, including his son David. The latter in turn starts his own family with his wife Marie. He lovingly raises his children Laurence and Frédéric, but deep within him harbours a persistent melancholy.

Our Loved Ones (Les êtres chers) is a 2015 Canadian drama directed by Anne Émond, exploring the enduring impact of a patriarch’s suicide on his family over several decades. The narrative unfolds through the lives of David (Maxim Gaudette), his daughter Laurence (Karelle Tremblay), and their family, delving into themes of grief, memory, and the cyclical nature of familial relationships.

The film opens in 1978 with David returning home to learn of his father’s sudden death, initially attributed to a medical episode. This event sets the stage for David’s journey, during which he inherits his father’s tools and begins crafting marionettes, eventually turning this hobby into a business. As David raises his own family, including his daughter Laurence, he remains unaware of the true cause of his father’s death—suicide—a fact concealed from him. This omission leads David to unknowingly inherit his father’s depression, a hereditary burden that subtly influences his life and relationships.

As the narrative progresses, the film shifts focus to Laurence, who, as a teenager, becomes romantically involved. Her experiences and the challenges she faces mirror the emotional complexities of her father’s past, highlighting the generational transmission of trauma and the family’s struggle to cope with their shared history. The film’s non-linear storytelling, with time jumps spanning years, effectively portrays the passage of time and the evolving dynamics within the family.

The cinematography captures the intimate and often painful moments of the family’s interactions, emphasizing the physical closeness that both comforts and confines them. The sound design further enhances this intimacy, making the audience acutely aware of the subtle noises that signify the presence and absence of loved ones. Through these artistic choices, Émond crafts a poignant exploration of how past traumas continue to shape the present, affecting each family member differently yet profoundly.

Main Themes in Our Loved Ones

1. Grief and Its Legacy: The film delves into the enduring impact of grief, particularly how the suicide of a family member casts a long shadow over subsequent generations. David’s unawareness of his father’s true cause of death and his own struggles with depression illustrate the hereditary nature of grief and its ability to persist through time.
2. Family Dynamics and Secrets: Our Loved Ones examines the complexities of family relationships, focusing on the unspoken secrets that bind and divide. The concealment of the father’s suicide from David and the subsequent revelation highlight the delicate balance between protecting loved ones and the consequences of withholding painful truths.
3. Memory and Nostalgia: The film explores how individuals and families grapple with memories of the past, using nostalgia as both a source of comfort and a means of evading present realities. The recurring motifs, such as the song David plays on his guitar and Laurence’s red notebook, serve as tangible connections to the past, influencing the characters’ present lives.
4. Cycles of Life and Generational Trauma: The narrative underscores the cyclical nature of life, where the experiences and traumas of one generation inevitably affect the next. Laurence’s coming-of-age story parallels her father’s earlier life, suggesting that the patterns of behavior and emotional struggles are passed down, often unconsciously, from parent to child.

Impact of Our Loved Ones

Upon its release, Our Loved Ones received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of family trauma and the intricacies of human relationships. The film was nominated for seven Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Motion Picture, Best Direction, and Best Original Screenplay, reflecting its significant contribution to Canadian cinema. Critics praised the film for its poignant storytelling, strong performances, and the director’s ability to capture the nuances of familial bonds. The film’s success at various film festivals, including its premiere at the Locarno Film Festival and its selection for TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten, further solidified its impact and recognition in the film industry.

7 Reasons to Watch Our Loved Ones

1. Authentic Exploration of Family Trauma: The film offers a raw and honest depiction of the long-lasting effects of family trauma, particularly the suicide of a loved one. It provides an intimate look into the complexities of grief and the ways it permeates family dynamics over time.
2. Strong Performances: Maxim Gaudette and Karelle Tremblay deliver compelling performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their portrayals effectively convey the emotional weight of the narrative, making the characters’ experiences resonate with the audience.
3. Non-Linear Storytelling: The film’s non-linear narrative structure enhances its thematic depth, allowing viewers to experience the passage of time and the evolution of characters’ relationships in a nuanced manner. This storytelling technique keeps the audience engaged and encourages reflection on the characters’ journeys.
4. Cinematic Excellence: The cinematography and sound design are meticulously crafted, creating an immersive experience that draws viewers into the characters’ world. The visual and auditory elements work in harmony to convey the film’s emotional tone and themes effectively.
5. Cultural Insight: Set in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region of Quebec, the film offers a glimpse into Canadian culture and the subtleties of Quebecois life. The setting adds authenticity and richness to the narrative, grounding the story in a specific cultural context.
6. Critical Acclaim: With multiple award nominations and positive reviews from critics, Our Loved Ones has been recognized for its artistic and narrative achievements. Its acclaim underscores its significance in contemporary cinema and its contribution to the discourse on family and mental health.
7. Emotional Resonance: The film’s exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time ensures its emotional impact. Viewers are likely to find themselves reflecting on their own familial relationships and the ways in which the past shapes the present.

How Will You Feel After Watching Our Loved Ones?

After viewing Our Loved Ones, audiences are likely to experience a profound sense of empathy and introspection. The film’s honest portrayal of family dynamics and the long-lasting effects of trauma will leave viewers contemplating their own relationships and the generational patterns within them. The film’s exploration of grief and memory can evoke a deep emotional response, particularly for those who have experienced loss or family secrets.

The delicate pacing and quiet moments in the film may lead to a sense of reflection, as viewers are invited to sit with the characters’ emotions and the complexity of their situations. While the film does not offer a traditional happy ending, its emotional depth and honesty will resonate with those who appreciate a nuanced, contemplative narrative. After watching Our Loved Ones, you may feel a mixture of sadness, empathy, and a renewed appreciation for the intricate, sometimes painful, relationships that define our lives.

In conclusion, Our Loved Ones is a poignant exploration of family, trauma, and the passage of time. Its thematic depth, strong performances, and cinematic craftsmanship make it a film that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re drawn to stories about familial bonds or seeking a film that challenges you emotionally, this movie offers a powerful experience that will leave you thinking about the ties that bind us and the secrets we carry.