What We Have

A dour drama about [inappropriately] getting too close, caring too much...obviously, that proximity can be interpreted in a number of ways.

When and when not to interfere in the bullying process...because, it is a process, a particularly painful one. And, if you do interfere...how?!?

Maurice, an actor and tutor, is distant and rather lifeless with his peers...he seems only to come alive when he's on-stage or with his teenage student...

Now, it's difficult not to give too much away...but, Maxime Desmons has presented a case with a well-worn prognosis...the abused becomes the abuser.

Although there is no overt sexual abuse...there is a violent attack on a child...some would say, in this case, quite deserved. Again, it's open to interpretation.

This is more a meditation on how to handle an assault of the first-love crush...adults, especially teachers, have to be aware that these situations arise and they have to be well-instructed in how to deal - appropriately - when faced with a minefield of such emotions. Maurice is neither well-instructed nor capable.

His revelation is extracted a little too easily...and, it certainly asks questions regarding consent...it's simple: there is no consent under the age-of-consent.

Desmons, perhaps, needed 10 minutes (or so) more...to complete the story. By the end, it seems rushed and easily resolved...yet, unresolved...it kind of leaves you dangling.

But, then again, that may have been the intention...because, it does have a certain creepiness to it.

An interesting film...that could have gone further...and, if Maurice was a smidgen more likeable...could have changed the whole dynamic considerably.

Trailer...