Cinema Q: Water Lilies

France, 2007, 85 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: Coming of Age, Foreign, Gay/Lesbian, Social Issues
Language: French English Sub-Titles

Teenaged angst is beautifully explored and revealed in this remarkable debut by director Céline Sciamma. Friendship, rivalry, and crushes—both heterosexual and same-sex—abound among the members of a synchronized swim team. Floriane (Adele Haenel), a shapely blonde, is cool and brazen. She makes the introverted and boyish Marie (Pauline Acquart) her confidante, at the expense of Marie's best friend Anne (Louise Blachère). Anne is self-conscious and overweight, but also outspoken and extrovert. She has a crush on a handsome boy, but of course he only has eyes for Floriane. The young cast give outstanding performances in this tender and intense film.