Leaving (Partir)

The French film Leaving is a great piece of work by Catherine Corsini and co-writer Gaelle Mace.

It is the story of a woman who leaves her husband, showing the consequences for her family and herself.

Kristin Scott Thomas gives a wonderful performance as the conflicted Suzanne. Sergi López is a perfect balance as Ivan and Yvan Attal is good as the frostily ambitious Samuel who has everything and never takes 'no' for an answer.

Whilst all the performances are good, it is the skill of the director and the editing that really makes the film work. Hints here and there give us clues to what Suzanne is thinking; but we are never really sure, even at the end. That works for me because I think she is a character who doesn't really know what she wants herself: she has a life that she doesn't like, and she tries to change it, then she's not sure, but she can't undo events and has to make the best of the consequences.

There's even a twinge of black humour near the end when you hear the daughter scream and can't help thinking 'yeah, up yours, you bitch'.

Overall I think this is nearly as good as the haunting I've Loved You So Long.