On the Verge of a Fever

On the Verge of a Fever (Le Goût des Jeunes Filles) is a coming-of-age film directed by John L'Ecuyer and set largely in Haiti during the lethal regime of Jean-Claude Duvalier in the late 1970s. It stars Lansana Kourouma, Uly Darly, and Mireille Metellus portraying intriguing roles in a story woven with rich socio-political context, gripping suspense, and resonance of youthful curiosity.

At the heart of this enchanting film lies the tale of fifteen-year-old Fanfan, vividly poignantly played by Lansana Kourouma. Fanfan spends his time hanging out with pals and tries to delay inevitable adulthood responsibilities. An unfortunate encounter with the vicious Tonton Macoute leads Fanfan into a perilous venture leading him to experience the bitter-sweet taste of an adult life.

As Fanfan takes extreme measures to avoid crossing paths with the Macoutes who he fears will persecutor him, he ends up taking refuge in his neighbor's home, a notorious Madame's place — a kaleidoscope of equally intriguing and secretive women, where he meets the mesmerizing Miki, played to enigmatic perfection by Mireille Metellus. Miki is an afro-haired beauty whose allure is matched by her intelligence and insight, challenging Fanfan's naive understanding of the world.

Alternating between the threatening backdrop of a volatile Haiti and the sensual microcosm of the bordello, the narrative provides an expansive view of a society hanging in the balance. Through this cultural context, it subtly questions sociopolitical power dynamics, sex, adolescence, and the inevitability of growing up.

The character of "older" Fanfan, portrayed by Uly Darly, smartly lends perspectives of a Haitian immigrant in the dazzling city of Montreal, thus creating a bi-cultural context. The eventful youth in Haiti and a life of an immigrant in a foreign land come together to compound the complexities that define Fanfan.

Integral to the richly layered On the Verge of a Fever is the screenplay by poet-writer Dany Laferrière (from his semi-autobiographical novel), which imbues the narrative with a vivid sense of time and place. Fanfan's interactions with his surroundings offer an intimate look at life in Haiti during a dark period in history while never losing sight of the universal experience of growing up.

Performances across the board are excellent. Lansana Kourouma's Fanfan is a compelling mix of innocence and fear, courage and curiosity. As his experiences accumulate, Kourouma adeptly communicates his character's gradual loss of innocence. Mireille Metellus's Miki is the epitome of layered complexity: she is a mystery who gradually reveals her true self over the course of the film, and Metellus handles this transition with aplomb.

Far from the usual coming-of-age saga, "On the Verge of a Fever" takes a compelling new angle.

John L'Ecuyer's direction is noteworthy as he flawlessly navigates the multi-dimensional plot and intricate characters ensuring that the enduring struggle and aspirations of the characters are understood without ever being overstated. The vibrant city of Port-au-Prince is shot with a burning fervor, intertwining the city's looming danger with its simmering beauty. The film's cinematography captures both the elusive beauty and imminent peril of Haiti during the Duvalier ruling.

Overall, watching "On the Verge of a Fever" is an immersive experience that combines socio-political realities with personal coming of age narratives in the backdrop of a tumultuous era in Haiti's history. It artfully captures the threshold between innocence and experience while never straying too far from the real-world events that shape its characters. The merging of Fanfan's personal journey with the larger socio-political context makes this film a compelling watch.

From the striking performances to the compelling narrative and direction, "On the Verge of a Fever" is a testimony - a deeply personal and political exploration of an era of unease and transition.