Watch The Auction

The Auction, a 2013 Canadian drama film directed by Sébastien Pilote, follows the story of Gaby Comeau (played by Gabriel Arcand), a local businessman and landowner whose life changes when he faces a difficult decision after his brother's death. Gaby is a wealthy, middle-aged man who has inherited his brother's farm, putting him at odds with his younger sister, Monique (played by Genevieve Boivin-Roussy), who has lived on the farm with her husband and children for years. Gaby, who has been living in the city, is urged by his sister to sell the farm or at least let her buy it from him.

However, Gaby's attachment to the farm, which holds sentimental value for him, makes him hesitant to sell it. On top of that, he is faced with financial trouble and is forced to participate in an auction where the land that his farm is situated on is up for sale. He is determined to buy it but is forced to compete with both his sister and his rival businessman who wants to expand his own property.

Throughout the film, we follow Gaby's journey as he navigates his way through the auction process and tries to find a solution that will be fair for everyone involved. The Auction is not only about the dynamics between a family but also about the conflict between tradition and modernity, as Gaby's ideologies are challenged by the younger generation.

The performances in this film are standout, especially that of Gabriel Arcand, who gives a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of Gaby. His character is complex, struggling with not only his financial difficulties but also his personal values and beliefs.

Gilles Renaud also delivers a powerful performance as Fernand, Gaby's friend and confidant who provides him with financial advice and moral support throughout the film. Lucie Laurier plays Manon, a woman with whom Gaby has a brief romantic encounter, bringing a new dimension to the character's emotional depth.

The cinematography in The Auction is stunning, capturing the beauty of the rural landscape and emphasizing the contrast between the natural beauty of the land and the mechanical workings of the auction process. The score, composed by Pilote himself, adds to the film's overall impact, creating a melancholic and intimate atmosphere.

Overall, The Auction is a poignant and deeply moving film that tackles themes such as family, values, and the struggles of modernity. Pilote manages to tell a story that is both universal in its themes and specific in its setting, and the result is a film that lingers in the memory long after the credits have rolled.

The Auction is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.