The Sense of Wonder

The movie The Sense of Wonder (Le gout des merveilles) is a heartfelt French romance film released in 2015. Directed by Éric Besnard, this touching story features Virginie Efira and Benjamin Lavernhe in the lead roles with Lucie Fagedet delivering a notable performance. The film, original titled in French as "Le gout des merveilles”, translates literally to "The Taste of Wonders", an apt moniker for this beautifully conceived story of ordinary people discovering beauty and magic in their everyday lives.

The Sense of Wonder tells the captivating story of Louise Legrand (Virginie Efira), a young widow struggling to keep her pear orchard from bankruptcy after her husband's untimely death. She is also under the constant strain of caring for her two children, Emma and Felix. One night, fate brings her on a collision course with Pierre (Benjamin Lavernhe), a quiet and introverted man who exhibits behaviours that are consistent with being on the autism spectrum.

Pierre, who bears an uncanny similarity to Dustin Hoffman's character in Rain Man, poses noteworthy quirks - he is obsessed with meteorites and is incredibly responsive to patterns in nature. He can envision the beauty in the most common things and experiences life in the most unique and intense manner, adding a sense of wonder to the film's narrative.

Virginie Efira, as Louise, gives an emotionally resonant performance, portraying a woman dealing with mounting debts and the demands of lone parenthood - which only amplifies when she sees something in Pierre that lures her to him. Benjamin Lavernhe brings remarkable complexity to his character, Pierre, offering an often restrained yet illuminating performance that subtly explores the world of an individual living with autism.

When Louise accidentally hits Pierre with her car, she sympathetically offers him a place to stay temporarily. She discovers Pierre's ability to empathize can help calm her children’s recoiling attitude after their father's death, filling a void in their lost world. Also, Pierre's empirical approach to nature and its patterns helps Louise manage her distressed pear trees, signaling a potential turnaround for her property’s looming insolvency.

Not many films showcasing characters with autism accomplish highlighting the beauty and loving potential they have within. The film breaks stereotypes and encourages the viewer to look beyond the social constructs and norms. The commendable effort the director put into shaping Pierre’s character is laudable, as it provides a refreshing counterbalance against the slew of movies that often misrepresent or exaggerate the autistic community.

The film is set in the bucolic rural South of France, which contributes substantially to the narrative's whimsical yet grounded feel. The tranquil countryside roads, serene orchards, and the quintessential French marketplaces are the perfect backdrop for this emotional journey. The intoxicatingly serene environment mirrors the warmth and depth of the evolving bond between Pierre and Louise.

Cinematographer Philippe Guilbert masterfully captures the rustic charm and warmth of the French countryside, interspersing shots of breathtaking beauty that underscore the magic of ordinary life. The sense of wonder in the film is heightened by the artistic use of light, nature, and the seasons, adding layers to the film's symbolic narrative. The movie's paradox lies in using a seemingly normal French village as the setting, where the magic, wonder, and beauty of life are slowly and subtlety revealed through the relationship between Louise and Pierre.

Christophe Julien's music score complements the narrative beautifully, complementing the visuals and the dialogues. In many places, Julien's music serves as the voice of the characters, resonating with their emotional states and enhancing the storytelling.

The Sense of Wonder showcases how the most unlikely of relationships can blossom when a heartfelt connection is formed. The narrative dwells on the themes of acceptance, gratitude, resilience, and love. It emphasizes the importance of opening our eyes to the magic that can be found in everyday life. The film also implores us to consider that, in a world preoccupied with normalcy, it is our differences that often add a touch of wonder and beauty to our lives.

In summary, The Sense of Wonder is a film that intricately weaves a story out of ordinary life and portrays it in a way that the viewer can identify with. The performances from the actors, supported by the beautiful cinematography and score, reveal the true essence of the film - to find the extraordinary within the ordinary. It's a tale that will warm your heart and, much like its lead character Pierre, help you see the beauty and the sense of wonder in everyday things.