Peaceful (De son vivant)

Right from the start, all the hospital workers in white coats singing “Lean On Me” is both startling and delightful. The screenplay Bercot co-wrote with Marcia Romano takes the audience through the same emotional voyage Dr. Edde takes his patients and staff through. While the awfulness of the situation is not pulled away from, there is an acceptance of how everything works in the end. It is not the destination I was expecting to find. Bercot has this invisible style that doesn’t draw attention to itself but achieves seamless intimacy. Laying musical skin on the bone and muscle is an outstanding score by Eric Neveux. His soundtrack has a delicacy that maintains a perfect balance throughout.

The acting is phenomenal throughout Peaceful. Cinema legend Deneuve brings her considerable powers to the role of the mother. Every move has a cadence. You can almost see the air shimmer when she touches a sunflower. Her presence hung heavy in my mind while watching due to fake death rumors that have thankfully proven false. Deneuve’s star power will draw the viewer to enjoy some amazing acting work. Magimel shows what a heavy hitter he is. His work as the lead is extraordinary. He will make you feel what it is like when you’ve figured out the world, and it starts to go away. Magimel’s onscreen disappearance from life is one of the best I have seen.

“…fills you with a warmth that will remain long after screening.”

The real find here is Dr. Sara, a real-life oncologist in his first acting role. His bedside manner is one for the ages. He is able to instill a calmness against the oncoming grisly storm. His delivery of insights into the realm of death has an air of dignity that is then applied to the patient. No matter how much sorrow comes down, Dr. Sara brings a lightness that pulls you up.

Peacefulness fills you with a warmth that will remain long after screening. Despite the grave subject matter, this movie delivers a joyous infusion of appreciation for existence that has to be felt to be believed.