François Ozon (director)
(studio)
15 (certificate)
113 (length)
17 June 2022 (released)
15 June 2022
Written and directed by François Ozon (based on a memoir by his late writing partner Emmanuèle Bernheim) Everything Went Fine is a challenging film about the highly controversial issue of assisted dying, in the first instance. But more involving is the almost toxic relationship he has with the people closest to him whom he’s now asking for help from those he has tormented in the past.
Cut down by a stroke André (André Dussollier) is hospitalized barely able to communicate, though as he recovers, he charges his daughter Emmanuèle (Sophie Marceau) with arranging end on life treatment. Not a decision she can take on her own not least because of legal situation and Powers of Attorney, she consults with her sister Pascale (Geraldine Pailhas).
The moral and ethical issues are well understood. The more intriguing aspect of the film are the inter family relations. These are strained with neither of the sisters having that high a regard for a man who could be (and is still) cruel and manipulative. Their love for him is what one would expect from a family nothing more. Pulled into this is the curious Gerard (Gregory Gadbois) his ex-lover detested by the daughters. He’s still obsessed by (with) André who gives him a valuable watch either because he too shares some feelings, or maybe just to wind up the sisters.
There’s a short spell as André recovers when he starts to enjoy his life more: he’s wealthy, has friends and on first name terms with the waiters and managers in his favourite restaurant. At 85 is he still capable of having a fulfilling life albeit at a slower pace?
Aside from the family issues, the film doesn’t bog itself down too much with the ethics of André’s request, this being resolved quite soon and the sisters begin the preparations. There’s more concern on the legal process and care they have to take to ensure they are not prosecuted.
The acting is superb with great nuance from Dussollier as an old sod who knows he can press certain buttons that will annoy his family, including ex-wife Claude (Charlotte Rampling), though she has very little sympathy left for him. He’s matched by Marceau as the daughter seemingly closer to him, though haunted by bitter memories of her childhood. As the dutiful daughter she respects his wishes, to the end.
Everything Went Fine will be in cinemas and on Curzon Home Cinema from 17 June
