Amanda (2018)

Directed by: Mikhael Hers | 102 minutes | drama | Actors: Vincent Lacoste, Isaure Multrier, Stacy Martin, Ophélia Kolb, Marianne Basler, Jonathan Cohen, Nabiha Akkari, Greta Scacchi, Bakary Sangaré, Claire Tran, Elli Medeiros, Zoé Bruneau

What 9/11 was for New York, the attack on Bataclan was for Paris. A major collective trauma that works hard in the normal lives of normal people. The film ‘Amanda’ seems to have been made with that feeling: what impact can a terrorist attack have on survivors? But don’t expect a big emotional drama with existential questions. ‘Amanda’ is above all a small intimate portrait about major consequences.

David is a boy from Paris who earns his money as a tree trimmer and manager of rental properties. He is single and has a single sister who has a daughter, 7-year-old Amanda. When his sister is torn out of their lives overnight, David has no choice but to set himself up (for the time being?) as a caretaker for his niece. But how do you do that in your early twenties if you also have to mourn and process yourself in addition to the unfathomable grief of your niece. Because David and his sister Sandrine mostly had each other in their youth, it is very important to him to take the best possible care of Amanda. But can he; is he the right person for that?

All these elements play their part in this story. The obvious risk is therefore to turn this into a grand and compelling drama, but fortunately the makers stay away from that. By placing the emphasis mainly on David, despite the title, the story remains controlled. Obviously David has his doubts and emotions, but he is also mainly a young man who is still searching in his own life. This is expressed in a search for love and a purpose in his life. The question of whether Amanda will play a role in this does not make it any easier.

In terms of story, the right choices have been made, but that also needs to be interpreted well. And luckily that also happens. Vincent Lacoste, the actor who plays David, turns his character into an honest, somewhat introverted boy who suddenly has to struggle with the purpose and purpose of his life. He also keeps it small and that works well in combination with the story. The sadness is mainly in small actions and conversations. Finally, the young actress, Isaure Multrier, who plays Amanda should not be left unmentioned. She turns Amanda into a cuddly little girl, who doesn’t seem to fully realize what’s happening. The chemistry between her and Lacoste works great in this small intimate film.