Watch Annette

Annette is a 2021 French musical drama film directed by Leos Carax and starring Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, and Simon Helberg. The film tells the story of an eccentric stand-up comedian, Henry McHenry (Adam Driver), who falls in love with a world-renowned opera singer, Ann (Marion Cotillard). Their romance leads to the birth of their daughter, Annette, who possesses a unique gift that changes their lives forever.

Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Annette opens with a stunning musical number featuring the entire cast singing and dancing on a soundstage. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie, which features stunning visuals, intricate musical scores, and heart-breaking performances from its lead actors. Adam Driver delivers a mesmerizing performance as a complex and tortured artist struggling to reconcile his public persona with his private life. Marion Cotillard is equally impressive as a haunted opera singer who falls under his spell.

One of the film's standout performances comes from Simon Helberg, who plays the couple's accompanist and confidante. Helberg delivers a nuanced and touching portrayal of a man who is finally finding his place in the world. As the film unfolds, Annette becomes a meditation on fame, love, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.

The film's standout sequence is its extended musical number "We Love Each Other So Much." The scene takes place on a car ride through the streets of Los Angeles and features Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard singing a soaring duet. The song is both joyful and tragic, capturing the reckless abandon of two people in love while foreshadowing the darkness that lies ahead.

As Annette grows older, she becomes the focus of the story, and the film takes a surreal turn. Annette possesses a gift that defies explanation, and her parents become obsessed with using her talent for their own purposes. The final act of the movie is a tragic and haunting meditation on art, sacrifice, and the price of fame.

Throughout the film, Leos Carax adds his signature dream-like touch, infusing the mundane moments of life with a surreal and poetic energy. He employs a wide range of cinematic techniques, including stunning cinematography, inventive set pieces, and striking musical numbers. The film's visuals are bolstered by its incredible score, which features original compositions by the art-pop duo Sparks.

Annette is a film that defies classification. It's a musical, a drama, a love story, and a meditation on fame all rolled into one. It's a film that will stay with you long after its haunting final scene. If you're looking for a film that delivers a powerful emotional punch and showcases the talents of some of today's most exciting artists, then Annette is not to be missed.

Annette is a 2021 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 67.