Jeri Jacquin
In theatres from director Xavier Giannoli and Music Box
Films is a story that leaves us questioning faith and secrets with THE
APPARITION.
Jacques Mayano (Vincent Lindon) is a journalist who is asked
by the Vatican to be a part
of a canonical investigation in France
Not moved by Anna as much as his colleagues, Jacques begins
to ask questions about where Anna came from, the schools she went to and who her
friends were. He speaks to the men who heard her cries in a large pasture
believing that is when she saw the apparition.
Anna reaches out to Jacques feeling free to speak with him
despite the objection of local priest Father Borrodine (Patrick d’Assumcao) who
feels like he needs to be the lead for Anna in all things. At the same time
Anton Meyer (Anatole Taubman) is rolling out the candles and likeness of Anna
to bring in the followers – and their money.
The more questions Jacques asks, the more questions there
are following him from place to place. Putting the pieces together is more paramount
than ever as Anna promises that all the answers will come soon and Jacques
feels that prediction is ominous.
Faith can sometimes hold a secret.
Lindon as Jacques is a bulldog of a journalist and isn’t
about to let the Vatican sway him in how he handles
his part of the investigation. Even when he meets Anna and a part of him wants
to believe in her, Jacques knows there is so much more to be known. I truly
enjoyed Lindon’s portrayal and was right there with him all the way before I
realized it. Having the same questions I did, Lindon had a side kick going step
by step wanting to believe Anna but not able to stop the nagging feeling of a
secret.
Bellugi as Anna is absolutely stunning with a face I would
believe (if it weren’t for that dang nagging feeling). She is so genuine in her
belief and has a sense of innocence about her and Bellugi gives the added push
of being so lovely to watch. As the film goes on she doesn’t miss a beat and a
protective nature kicks in for me. That’s the sign of a character portrayal so
well done.
D’Assumcao as Father Borrodine is basking in the glow of
what is happening to Anna publically and in the media. He bars her from talking
to certain people and only agrees to Jacques questions because he comes with a
clear mission from the Vatican
Taubman as Meyer is just the creepiest character in the
film. He claims to care for Anna yet finds every way possible to exploit her. Once
again my protective nature kicked in and every time Taubman was on screen as
Meyer I found myself growling. That’s how you know a role is perfectly cast.
Other cast include Elina Lowensohn as Doctor de Villeneuve,
Claude Leveque as Father Gallois, Gerard Dessalles as Stephane Mornay, Bruno
Georis as Father Ezeradot, Candice Bouchet as Valerie and Alicia Hava as
Meriem.
Am I telling you every little detail about THE APPARITION?
Absolutely not. This is the genre of film that I truly am thrilled about letting
the viewer discover. There are so many twists and secrets to be discovered that
just when I think I have it worked out – it’s not.
Watching Jacques wrestle with his journalistic instincts and
that of wanting to believe Anna is stellar and watching Anna wrestle with her
place at the convent and the people around her is both fascinating and heart
wrenching at the same time. These two characters are meant to share this
journey and director Giannoli makes us all feel a little blessed to walk the
road with them.
I truly enjoyed this film and loved every aspect of the
storytelling. That is what makes THE APPARITION one of my best films for 2018
and I urge you to see and decide for yourself.
A beautiful film with kudos all around!
In the end – doubt and faith are about to collide!
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