THE “WORLD”’S OPINION – MUST SEE
Nora (Noée Abita), 26 years old, recently qualified lawyer, still lives with her parents in the Paris region and has worked for almost a year in a firm specializing in business law. After a sleepless night spent partying, she is sent by her boss (François Morel) to Arras, in Pas-de-Calais, to assist, during his police custody, a certain Jordan Blesy (Alexis Neises), a teenager. 18-year-old suspected of murder of a young girl.
Thrust into a criminal case for the first time, Nora, uncomfortable and somewhat dazed, as much by her lack of sleep as by her lack of experience, is quickly convinced of her client’s innocence. An opinion more emotional than rational. Back in Paris, she asked to keep the file and follow the investigation.
Far from suspecting what awaits her, Nora approaches her mission like a young soldier whose fear barely dampens his enthusiasm. She neglects her other files, making frequent trips between Paris and Arras, learning on the job, ignoring the ethical rules of her profession. Starting with that which consists of having no private relationship with the police officer in charge of the investigation. The latter, here, is called Alexis (Anders Danielsen Lie), an attractive and secretive man into whose arms Nora will hesitate to dive, before crossing the red line and succumbing in a passionate manner.
Disturbing atmosphere
First feature film by Victoria Musiedlak, previously author of four short formats (including The Deal of the Century2018, and Laetitia352022), First affair is a film that seems to have matured for a long time as it appears, from the first moments, loaded with tension and a heavy past. A material from which the director – who also signs the screenplay – digs straight into her trenches, does not mince her words, uses language that stings like a whip, without ever bothering with the superfluous but trusting the actors whose interiority superbly fills space and silences.
The film is like this, dense, raw, sometimes brutal. It thus has the merit of imposing a thick and disturbing atmosphere where the ambiguity, the uncertain future and the fragility of the characters intrigue, quickly arousing interest and curiosity. Which continues to be relaunched by a coming and going of lies and truths, of procrastination and fiery outbursts, of unsaid words and thunderous declarations. Whether on an intimate level or in the context of work, between the walls of an apartment or those of the visiting room.
You have 47.33% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.