Anne Émond’s dazzling debut feature is a bold and intimate study of a one-night stand. Clara and Nikolai meet at a sweat-soaked rave and end their night at his apartment. The first part of the film is an erotic and candid portrait of their lovemaking, but when Clara tries to sneak out without saying goodbye, this typical hookup takes an unexpected turn. –TIFF
Anne Émond is a Montreal-based screenwriter and filmmaker. In 2005, she earned a Bachelor Degree in Film production from Université du Québec à Montréal. In the last five years, she has written and directed seven short flms. At the 2009 Rendez-vous du cinéma québécois, she was awarded the Best Direction Coop Vidéo Award for her short film L’ordre des choses. The short film was also nominated for the Jutra award. Naissances was selected for Canada Top Ten 2009 Palmares, and won the prize for Best narrative short film at the last edition of Brooklyn International Film Festival. Her first feature film, Nuit # 1, was released in 2011. —seenandheardfilms.com
I saw this tonight at GIFF 2012 with director present. She said a lot liked it but also a lot hated it. I really liked the honesty of this film. I think that a lot of one night stands ends like Clara's does, and the feelings are the same. What happens in this film is not only what should happen, but it shows what a lot of young people like themselves are coping with, but never shares with anyone. Excellent debute.
Ah man... I wanted to like this movie. I liked Anne Émond's "Plus Rien Ne Vouloir", and I'm not against long monologues in movies; I watched "Blue" for God's sake. But... it just ended up being so aimless and not sure about itself. Really disapointing.
Not quite the dazzling debut many have refered to being taken in by the raw sex and brave performances. Not the most orginal concept; it's been done and better by features like "In Bed", Virgo's "Lie With Me" and Winterbottom's "9 songs". Strong performance by young Catherine de Lean but the character just doesn't ring true for how could one not be repulsed enough to leave after the characters first confrontation.