There are many stories of forbidden romances. The vast majority of them, even the ones that don’t work, manage to connect with viewers because they address one of those feelings that we have all experienced at least once: love. Regardless of its destination, questioning the “should have” is a common sensation. That is the starting point of Lie with me, a film belonging to the 2023 French Film Tour that appeals to the wounds of the past. And also to the consequences of a condemned love.
After agreeing to be the ambassador of a famous cognac brand celebrating its bicentennial, novelist Stéphane Belcourt (Jérémy Gillet / Guillaume De Tonquédec) returns to his hometown for the first time in 35 years. There he meets Lucas (Victor Belmondo), the son of his first love. Memories flood him: the first experiences of adolescence, the irrepressible desire, the bodies that come together, a passion that must be silenced… This first love was called Thomas (Julien De Saint Jean), and both were 17 years old when his life changed forever.
Based on a biographical novel by the writer Philippe Besson, Lie with me It is a film that plays with two timelines. The first takes place in 1984 and reflects, in a solid way, the innocence and construction of a first love in secret. “What they will say” plays an important role in that first narrative. Even though Stéphane has a clear idea of his sexuality, Thomas (Julien De Saint Jean) is afraid to accept, even to himself, that he loves another man.
Gillet and Saint Jean’s performances feel natural and convincing throughout. They naturally reflect the hesitation of showing their feelings and star in sexual scenes that, far from feeling arbitrary, move the script forward in a solid way. The latter fortunately moves away from the clichés present in certain LGBTI+ films, and builds a classic forbidden romance that anyone can identify with.
The part set in 2019 features Guillaume de Tonquédec as a Stéphane in his 52s. And he definitely embodies the role of him perfectly. Even with less screen time than usual (due to the use of two timelines), Guillaume achieves an important redemption arc for the character. With one look, the actor is able to transmit the frustration and all the feelings stored over three decades. On more than one occasion, the film gives her great scenes alongside Victor Belmondo. And these, by themselves, already justify the price of the ticket.
Although the script may be predictable, and the rhythm drops at times, Lie with me has an enviable staging. Accompanied by beautiful settings, a soundtrack charming and a very intimate photograph, the film, from memory to memory, generates a great immersion in the France of the 80s. One that can look charming in photographs, but that was not safe for those openly homosexual young people, like Stéphane. Few films have portrayed, in such a contrasting way, the freedom of living a reciprocated love and the fear of feeling discovered.
When the events of 1984 connect with the consequences of 2019, Lie with me reveals your strongest card. Not only is it a story about loving relationships, it is also a reflection of accepting oneself, understanding the past, and how easy it is to judge the actions of others based on selfishness. Every character in this film lives in hell, and only the truth about their complex relationships and empathy can save them from it.
Although at times it is cheesy and may seem niche or light, it is a universal film with a powerful reflection. It has very good performances, charming visuals and, above all, a devastating ending. Beyond having a good time, Lie with me It serves its purpose of moving viewers and encouraging them to make peace with their past.
Juan Jose Cruz I am one of those who always defended Robert Pattinson as Batman and can see the same movie in the cinema up to 7 times. My guilty taste? Low-budget horror films.