Water Lilies

Naissance des pieuvres
France 2007     85min subtitled
Dir: Céline Sciamma
Starring: Pauline Acquart, Louise Blachère, Adèle Henel, Warren Jacquin, Serge Brincat, Jérémie Steib

Graceful and precise, the award-winning synchronised swimming team have become objects of awe for awkward, serious and unsophisticated 15-year-old, Marie (Acquart). Turning her back on the forthright and childish antics of Anne, her rotund best friend, Marie begins to shadow Floriane (Haenel), the team’s gorgeous captain. Floriane is desired by the male water polo team and shunned by her own team for her perceived loose morals. A bit of a loner, she starts using the adoring Marie as her cover for sessions with Francois (who Anne obsesses over). But although Marie is initially complicit in Floriane’s plans, over time she discovers that Floriane is more insecure than femme fatale, and is terrified that her well-honed slutty cover will be blown, and her virginity discovered, by the increasingly demanding Francois. Her desperation leads the two to explore their sexuality and friendship.

Sharp, perceptive and uncompromisingly honest, this charming film of youthful self-discovery is carried by excellent performances from the three leading ladies

JHB     Sat 10 / 8pm         Sun 11 / 6.15pm
CT    Mon 12 / 7pm        Wed 14 / 7pm