Come What May

Come What May showcases the plight of innocent beings engulfed in deplorable wartime situations and explores their arduous journey towards peace. Released in 2015, this French war drama is helmed by the acclaimed filmmaker Christian Carion and is graced by the superb performances of actors August Diehl, Olivier Gourmet, and Mathilde Seigner. Carion masterfully presents a unique perspective on the ominous days of World War II, tapping into an emotionally charged theme - civilians on the run.

At the heart of the film is Hans (die-hard performance by Diehl), a German refugee looking for his young son Max, and Paul (excellent portrayal by Gourmet), the town's mayor summoned to lead the locals to safety. The tale skilfully intertwines these two narratives to present a story that is both heartrending and inspiring.

The story is set in the backdrop of the North of France in May 1940, during the initial days of World War II, when the Nazi armies start penetrating the French borders. The German refugee Hans has been separated from his son Max in the chaotic confusion of the looming conflict, when he sent Max to a safe haven in the small French village of Pas-de-Calais. As the German army advances, Hans embarks on a search for Max, just as the village inhabitants are forced to evacuate their homes and head south, hoping that they will eventually find safety.

Olivier Gourmet embodies the character of Paul, the mayor of the village. Much against his wishes, Paul is compelled to lead this desperate endeavor as the villagers look up to him for guidance. He is joined by Mado (played by Mathilde Seigner), a resilient schoolteacher, also from the village. Their journey unfolds with the uncanny amalgamation of human strength and vulnerability, emphasizing the collective spirit of survival in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, an anxious and frantic Hans tirelessly treks his way through the dangerous war-afflicted territories in his quest to find his son. The drama converges these two parallel threads, adding luring complexity and fostering an escalating tension in the narrative.

Carion's remarkable storytelling is noticeably enriched by the spectacular visuals of the French countryside and the hauntingly realistic scenes of devastation invoked by war. The impressive cinematography presents vivid contrasts between peaceful hamlets and ravaged ruins to complement the shifting tones in the narrative. The dramatic scenes are delicately balanced with humane moments that underscore humanity's indomitable spirit against the backdrop of despair and destruction.

The performances of the lead actors are praiseworthy, providing depth and credibility to their characters. August Diehl delivers a compelling portrayal of a desperate father willing to go any length to find his son amidst chaos. Olivier Gourmet, in the role of a mayor, brings forth the quandary of a leader torn between personal apprehensions and responsibility towards his people. Mathilde Seigner leaves a powerful impact in her brief but significant role.

Throughout the narrative, Carion subtly addresses the dilemmas and paradoxes of war, the distinctive characters personifying distinct facets of human sufferings and resilience amidst a crisis. As the inhabitants adapt to their new circumstances on the road, we see glimpses of fear, despair, hope, and camaraderie permeating through their shared circumstances.

All said, Come What May is an engaging cinematic piece that delves into the untold stories of the common people drastically affected by the ravages of war. It paints a poignant portrait of average individuals' capacity to endure, hope, adapt, and overcome the cruel randomness of warfare. Not just a war movie, it is a tale of the human spirit and an exploration of bravery, resilience, and the dramatic lengths to which fathers go to protect their children. Come What May takes us on an emotional journey, filled with moments of aching sadness and unexpected joy, courage and surrender, compassion and survival - offering a unique, thought-provoking, and deeply human perspective on war.