Watch A Day in the Country

A Day in the Country is a poignant and beautifully filmed movie that explores the themes of love, longing, and desire through the story of a young woman who falls in love with a stranger. Set in the idyllic French countryside in the early 20th century, the movie follows the lives of the aristocratic Sorel family as they embark on a day trip by the river. The family comprises Monsieur Sorel (Georges D'Arnoux), his wife Madame Sorel (Jane Marken), and their daughter Henritte (Sylvia Bataille). The Sorels are well-to-do and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, but they are not exempt from the challenges of life.

On the day of their trip, the family meets a group of men who are also enjoying the river. Among them is a strapping young man named Henri (Paul Temps), and when Henritte sees him, she is immediately smitten. Henri is charming and friendly, and he quickly becomes a part of the Sorel's day out. As the day progresses, Henritte and Henri become increasingly drawn to each other, and soon they are spending time alone together, away from the prying eyes of their respective families.

The movie explores the complex emotions that arise when new attractions flare up and threaten to throw people's lives into chaos. Henritte is deeply in love with Henri, but she is also committed to her family and her life, which makes it difficult for her to fully embrace her feelings. Henri, too, seems to be conflicted, as though he is torn between his desire for Henritte and his sense of propriety.

In one particularly poignant scene, Henritte and Henri are walking together in a field, and they come across a lamb that has been abandoned by its mother. Henritte wants to take the lamb home and give it a good life, but Henri insists that they leave it to die, as it will only suffer and cause them pain if they try to save it. The scene is a powerful metaphor for the choices that we make in life, and how they shape our relationships and our sense of self.

A Day in the Country is a slow-paced movie, but it is not boring. The scenes are peaceful and beautifully shot, with the lush greenery and the sparkling river providing a stunning backdrop for the characters' dramas. The performances are all top-notch, with Sylvia Bataille turning in an especially strong performance as Henritte. She manages to convey the character's inner turmoil and her longing for something more, without ever descending into melodrama.

The movie is also a testament to the power of small moments. Much of the action takes place in tiny gestures and glances between the characters, rather than in grand speeches or dramatic confrontations. This makes the movie all the more effective, as it forces the audience to lean in and pay closer attention to the details of the characters' lives.

In conclusion, A Day in the Country is a beautiful and quietly powerful movie that explores the complex themes of love, desire, and the choices that shape our lives. It is well-acted, well-directed, and gorgeously shot, with a pace that is unhurried but never dull. Fans of classic cinema, as well as those who enjoy a good period drama, are sure to be captivated by this understated gem.

A Day in the Country is a 1946 drama with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.