In “September & July,” July grapples with high school challenges alongside her protective sister, September, whose impending expulsion prompts July to seek her own identity. Directed by Ariane Labed, this feature film adapts Daisy Johnson’s novel, exploring the complex bond between sisters. Labed aims for a visceral viewer experience, blending surrealism and a playful narrative. Set to premiere at Cannes 2024, the film reflects on familial love’s dual nature, emphasizing a unique female perspective in its visual storytelling.
Overview of the Film
In the gripping tale of “September & July,” we follow July as she navigates the harsh realities of high school, shielded by her older sister, September. When September faces expulsion, their mother Sheela grows increasingly concerned, leading July to seize the moment to carve out her own identity. Following a mysterious incident, the sisters retreat to a country house, discovering that everything has changed.
Ariane Labed, acclaimed for her roles in auteur films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Joanna Hogg, takes a bold step into the director’s chair with this project. Currently, she also appears in “The Brutalist,” albeit in a minor yet significant role towards the film’s conclusion. However, her primary focus is on “September & July,” a feature film she adapted from Daisy Johnson’s novel.
Exclusive Interview with Ariane Labed:
Having previously directed a short film in 2019, Labed now immerses herself in the complexities of feature filmmaking with a work that promises to be both unique and thought-provoking.
‘Strangeness resonates with me deeply. It challenges our perceptions and habits. My goal is to engage the viewer’s experience, providing them with a physical, immersive encounter,’ she explains.
She elaborates, ‘I aimed to intensify specific moments for the audience. My hope is that viewers will feel a range of emotions—perhaps even the urge to cover their eyes or ears—as I encourage a more visceral, rather than purely intellectual, engagement with the film.
I firmly believe in the viewer’s intelligence. The narrative is crafted with them in mind, and I aspire to guide them through unexpected paths. While the film begins as a coming-of-age story, it evolves into something much deeper. It’s almost a pact—a playful challenge I extend to the audience. The theme of playfulness is central to the film’s narrative and experience.
Set to premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes in May 2024, “September & July” is an adaptation of the novel titled Sisters. This story explores the intense bond between two sisters, akin to twins, highlighting their intricate relationship.
Exploring Genre Cinema
Labed shares her inspiration for the film: ‘Daisy Johnson’s exploration of sisterly love, filled with affection and protection, also reveals its darker aspects—potential harm and violence. This duality exists in familial bonds, where love can coexist with conflict.
To bring this vision to life, Labed delves into genre cinema, stating, ‘I felt liberated to step outside conventional genre norms, embracing elements that defy realistic storytelling and flirt with dreamlike surrealism, reminiscent of David Lynch’s style.‘
Influences and Artistic Vision
When asked about Lynch’s influence, she responds, ‘I consciously avoided overt references to specific films, with the exception of a singer in a bar wearing a velvet dress—a subtle nod to Lynch.‘
Additionally, the film’s opening evokes a hint of “The Shining.” ‘That reference serves to acknowledge a masterpiece of genre cinema. It’s my way of paying homage while also signaling a departure from it. My subsequent inspirations were more photographic in nature.
Labed emphasizes the significance of her unique perspective and the female gaze in creating powerful imagery. ‘This project allows me to embody the theory of the female gaze. The visual storytelling is intentional and measured, recognizing the profound impact of images—both beautiful and dangerous. It’s crucial to be mindful of the visuals we create.
This commitment to authenticity is part of why I chose to shoot on film. In a digital age where overproduction is common, I sought to resist that trend, focusing instead on a streamlined and purposeful approach to filmmaking.
These constraints foster my creative freedom. The gaze remains equal to the characters, embodying a deeply feminine perspective.