Wiseman has made a vocation out of filming what is right in front of him, and he applies that schematic to a dead woman whose words are all that remain. Her husband did not see her, but we will.
Though A Couple is [Wiseman's] first narrative feature in 20 years, the narrative structure documents history by fashioning Sophia’s diaries and letters as a performance.
Movie presents a captivating portrayal of the enduring bond between two remarkable individuals, Leo Tolstoy and his wife Sophia. This film beautifully captures the essence of a long-term relationship, delving into the complexities, joys, and challenges that come with sharing a life together. Through the lens of Leo Tolstoy and Sophia, we witness a love story that transcends time, highlighting the deep connection and profound understanding that exists between them. Their journey is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering commitment. "A Couple" is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of love, partnership, and the enduring nature of human relationships.
A dazzling suite of emotions plays out within the confines of Boutefeu’s subdued, sensitive, gradually mesmerizing performance. At times she stares with laserlike focus into the camera, as if she had located the object of her scorn seated just behind the lens. Mostly she stares pensively into the middle distance, lost in the phantasms of memory.
The result is an expressive and moving portrait of a tempestuous marriage, one told with elan that feels rich in feeling even if its entire budget probably wouldn’t have covered the cost of croissants on an average film shoot in France.
While it’s great to see an example of a filmmaker refusing to rest on his laurels or stay inside the nearly defined box of his cultural reputation, a film must be a film – not just a concept. Un Couple never quite manages to transcend its origins as a precious pandemic project.
Performance aside, the key issue is that endless griping about a shitty marriage – even the marriage of arguably the pre-eminent figure of 19th century literature – is a drag.