Pas Vraiment Ordinaire (Not Really Ordinary), directed by Gil Henry, opens in a dreamlike meadow where Anna (Floriane Andersen) caresses a branch and speaks to her daughter Justine about the magic that surrounds them. She warns that beyond the hills are those who would steal this magic, often through a needle in the arm. The scene is suddenly interrupted by the sound of a ringing phone, pulling us into reality as Paul (Jordan Belfi) calls his son AJ (Guy Heilweil), checking in and coaxing the children to finish their mother’s birthday card.
Paul arrives home with a police officer, and unease fills the air. As AJ and Justine quietly work on their gift in another room, tension builds between Paul and Anna. Her growing paranoia and instability make it clear that something is wrong, and she locks herself in the bedroom. Neither Paul nor the officer can convince her to go to the police car. The confrontation leaves Paul with only one solution. He decides to use AJ to bring her out, as he may be the only one able to reach her.
“Her growing paranoia and instability make it clear that something is wrong…”
Pas Vraiment Ordinaire presents a difficult situation for any family. Mother needs help, and she must be removed from the home for the sake of the family. It’s also the story of a son who must make a tough decision for the family. That decision marks his first firm step toward adulthood.
Writer and director Gil Henry beautifully tells two distinct stories. One of a mother’s love for her family and the other of her son doing what is right. The story opens in a paradise imagined by the mother, and Henry paints it cinematically. He then quickly shifts to a world of reality, which is just as dramatic. His storytelling skills are spot on and deliver a powerful punch in the end. He also manages to get incredible performances from his cast. Each has a job to do in telling the story, and the tone and emotion on screen are perfect.
Pas Vraiment Ordinaire ultimately captures the painful but necessary choices families face when love and illness collide. It’s a moving story of courage, showing how one boy must step forward as only he can, taking his first steps into adulthood.
"…a moving story of courage..."
