Watch Love Like Poison

Love Like Poison is a thought-provoking French drama film directed by Katell Quillévéré and released in 2010. The movie tells a compelling and engaging story of love, faith, and coming of age through the eyes of a young girl who is torn between her family and her emerging sexuality. The main character of the movie is Anna (Clara Augarde), a 14-year-old girl who lives in a small rural town in Brittany, France. Anna is a devout Catholic, struggling to find her place in the world as she grapples with the questions of faith, sin, and morality. Her father is absent from their home, having left to become a missionary in Africa, and her mother (Lio) is emotionally distant and struggling with her own internal demons.

Anna's life changes when her estranged grandfather (Michel Galabru) comes to live with them. He is a grumpy old man with a sharp tongue and a mysterious past. He challenges Anna's beliefs about religion and morality, but also helps her explore her newfound desires and discover her sexuality.

The film features beautiful cinematography and stunning landscapes of the French countryside. The slow pace of the movie allows the audience to absorb the themes and emotions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This also helps to build tension and suspense, especially as Anna's relationship with her grandfather becomes more complex and tense.

Throughout the movie, Anna grapples with her Catholic faith and her burgeoning sexuality. She is drawn to Pierre (Youen Leboulanger-Gourvil) - a boy in her class - but is also intrigued by her own desires towards women. Anna's sexuality is neither dismissed nor fetishized in the film, and is presented as a natural part of her coming of age.

Love Like Poison also explores the themes of family, loss, and forgiveness. Anna has a complicated relationship with her mother, who is struggling with depression and adultery. Her grandfather's arrival, however, brings newfound understanding and empathy between the women of the family.

The performances of the cast are incredibly powerful, with Clara Augarde delivering a nuanced and gripping performance as Anna. Her portrayal of a teenager in a constant state of confusion and questioning is both relatable and heart-wrenching. Lio, who plays Anna's mother, also delivers an exceptional performance, conveying the complex emotions of a woman struggling with mental illness and marital issues.

In conclusion, Love Like Poison is a beautiful and poignant film that explores complex themes in a mature and sensitive manner. It is a coming-of-age story with a unique perspective that is relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with their beliefs, desires, or identity. The film is a masterclass in subtlety and delivers a thought-provoking and engaging story without ever feeling preachy or contrived. Truly, it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates impactful, character-driven cinema that tackles complicated themes with grace and sensitivity.