Siblings gathered around the occasion of the death of a parent at their ancestral house has been a familiar setting to spark off tensions. Invariably, post-funeral, talks would veer toward selling the property to meet the financial requirements of the family members now spread across the globe, opposed by at least one sibling. French auteur Olivier Assayas, in his trademark style that involves fluid scene transitions, virtuoso cutting and complex blocking that looks so effortless, treats the subject with a maturity that de-sentimentalizes the reminiscences and relationships and looks at the proceedings without being judgemental. Yet, he delivers a bitter-sweet film that warms itself into your heart.
Catch up SUMMER HOURS (France, 2008) by Olivier Assayas on MUBI.
Ranjan Das is a Mumbai based filmmaker & faculty.