NOW SCREENING NATIONWIDE! François Ozon has long since established himself as one of the finest living filmmakers. His casual and frequent production of cinematic gems is almost condescending to his peers as if he were taunting them, “Try and keep up. Quantity can match quality.” Everything Went Fine continues the 55-year-old auteur’s streak of heartfelt, slice-of-life dramas, buoyed by powerful lead performances and a nonchalant glare into the abyss. Yes, it’s dark and grim stuff, but it’s also oddly reassuring, perhaps in how relatable it is.
When Emmanuelle (Sophie Marceau) hears her father, André (André Dussolier), had a stroke, she rushes to the hospital. Her sister, Pascale (Géraldine Pailhas), joins Emmanuelle, along with their mom, Claude (Charlotte Rampling), whose brief appearance speaks volumes about their relationship. André is confined to a bed, unable to move, the right side of his body contorted and frozen. The family begins to prepare for his death.
“Emmanuelle meets an assisted suicide worker…this lady is thrown off by André’s unflappable determination.”
Complications arise. André is moved to intensive care. “I want you to help me end it,” he pleads with Emmanuelle. The nurse somewhat reassures her that it’s a normal response, and with a bit of family support and anti-depressants, those requests should stop. However, in a tremendously affecting moment, he snarls, “Don’t think I’ve forgotten,” slapping the food Emmanuelle feeds him out of her hands.
Everything Went Fine then moves onto André’s condition improving. Even then, he’s stubborn and resolute. Emmanuelle meets an assisted suicide worker from Switzerland, who describes the process in detail. Even this lady is thrown off by André’s unflappable determination. The film proceeds to depict the old man’s last days in great detail, including a selection of the burial ground, goodbyes to loved ones, and more complicated dealings with others (some of whom even attempt to break in and steal André for Christmas).
"…frequent production of cinematic gems is almost condescending to his peers..."
