Adore

****THE 57TH LONDON FILM FESTIVAL****

Director: Anne Fontaine

Stars: Robin Wright, Naomi Watts, Xavier Samuel, James Frecheville and Ben Mendelsohn.

Released: 14th November (Australia). UK release date TBC

French director Anne Fontaine is known for her edgier daring work and alternative relationships, having recently released the dark drama Chloe in 2009, and here we have a very strange an uncomfortable tale of where lust overtakes reason. Originally based on a short story by Doris Lessing called ‘The Grandmothers’, Adore showcased much earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and opened to very mixed reactions because of the unconventional storyline.

Roz (Forrest Gump’s Robin Wright) and Lil (The Impossible’s Naomi Watts) have been best friends since childhood. Living next door to each other and working together they live an idyllic life in Australia’s New South wales splitting their time working, relaxing on the beach or with their two grown up sons Ian and Tom (Xavier Samuel and James Frecheville) who are also the best of friends. While Lil tragically lost her husband in a accident, Roz has what seems on the surface like a happy marriage to career driven Harold (Ben Mendelsohn).

Their contented life continues at a relaxed and happy pace, that is until one day Lil’s son Ian makes a move on Roz, and with the chemistry and attraction between them both clearly evident his feeling are reciprocated and the pair are soon in the throws of passion.

When Tom observes this he is consumed with mixed feelings of disgust, anger and jealousy. In a clear retaliation Tom then attempts to woo Lil, and while his initial advances are rebuffed, she too is soon tempted into a passionate affair with him, as the two couples knowingly continue to live as friends and lovers.

You don’t know whether to admire Adore for its provocative storyline or to be slightly uncomfortable and removed by it. It’s clearly trying to show a message that desire is a stronger emotion than anything else, but the idea that two best friends would try and woo each other sons’ and then continue to live that life sexually freely is rather shocking. Throughout the film we are shown the understanding and also the conflict between each character as they try to continue this unusual life, but it is really quite uncomfortable. The strangest part and the most unbelievable is that the best friends continue this life fully knowing that each one is bedding the other one’s son and are content with that. There is no discussion about the impact it will have on their relationship, although there is at first an altercation between the jealous boys. There are moments where this issue to swept over with humour too, but the underlying problem is still there; it’s just too strange.

What saves the price from turning into something quite unacceptable is the acting. Robin Wright in particular is fantastic in her role as the conflicted Roz, portraying an understanding and wisdom beyond her years. Watts’ Lil is the perfect alternative to Roz, where both actresses show depth and maturity while also bringing a softer and gentler side to a difficult concept.

Setting the story by the gorgeous tranquil and picturesque paradise is a clever concept, as if the consequences of the friend’s actions would disturb the sea itself, but the focus is very much on ageism, friendship and love between the women, the young boys being merely small pieces in the larger scale puzzle.

VERDICT: * *

You wont know whether to be entranced or disturbed by this provocative piece that focuses on uncontrollable passion, ageism and conflict. It’s a very brave storyline, but one that just misses the mark. While the setting is undoubtedly gorgeous it’s the acting that gives the film gravitas (particularly Robin Wright) in an otherwise strange and uncomfortable tale. 

Adore was shown at the London Film Festival on 10th, 11th and 13th October. It is released in Australia on 14th November. A UK release date is yet to be confirmed.