Rent Two of Us (2019)

Heart-rending lesbian tale with a difference - Two of Us review by PD

Filippo Meneghetti’s heart-rending directorial debut is a finely wrought and tragic tale of love, loss, ageing and how the secrets we keep affect ourselves and our families. The fact that the subject matter is a lesbian relationship between two elderly women is a striking thing in itself - how refreshing to see this theme portrayed without resorting to the usual (invariably male-centred) cliches. The brief, intriguing opening sequence immediately tells we're in the hands of someone who's going to keep us spellbound, and the film lives to its promise.

The first act belongs to Martine Chevallier, who, as Madeleine, gives a commanding performance of someone lovely, fragile and vulnerable, whilst she is neatly complemented by Barbara Sukowa who dominates the second half as the panicked, grieving Nina, who nevertheless remains the strong, earthy, determined half of the couple. She embodies the exquisitely singular agony Nina experiences: the loss of a partner who never fully disappeared, remaining frustratingly out of reach just beyond their apartment doors.

The film doesn't entirely avoid melodrama, and some of the plot developments are a little contrived - a tangent involving a vengeful care-assistant is also totally unnecessary. Moreover, at just 90 minutes, the film isn't nearly long enough to explore all the (very important and universally relatable) issues it raises. But the film is at its most powerful when dealing with subtleties: tender, erotic caresses, the flickering of a glance, a hand grasped; clocks ticking and spoons clinking in an oppressive environmental pressure cooker; an ongoing eavesdropping motif via spy-holes in doors is particularly effective , introducing a quasi-thriller element to proceedings. More to come, hopefully, from a talented director.

Tender Romantic Drama - Two of Us review by GI

This is a rather touching and tender romance with some added suspense thrown in. And it's actually quite refreshing to see a story that's about the deep love of two much older people. The story is about Nina (Barbara Sukowa) and Madeleine (Martine Chevallier), both retired and living in a small French town. They have neighbouring apartments and on the surface are two friends. But they have a secret. They have been passionate lovers for years and have kept this from everyone due to Madeleine's family and her controlling husband. But since his death they are now planning to reveal all and live the rest of their lives together. But Madeleine fears the reaction of her two children and then fate deals them a serious blow when she has a major stroke and Nina is determined to be there for her. The two main performances are wonderful with Chevallier stunning as the part paralysed Madeleine and Sukowa revealing an icy determination as Nina determined to be by her side at all costs, at times she looks like she's capable of anything. A quite satisfying and lovely film, which if you like romantic drama will push all the right buttons.