Netflix is constantly releasing new movies, but only a select few get the theatrical release treatment each year. Typically, this is only done when Netflix is confident that the movie can contend for major awards. Having seen the streaming service's newest comedy-drama, "Nouvelle Vague," in a theater myself, I can confirm that this period piece is absolutely deserving of the theatrical treatment. In fact, it's one of my favorite films of the year so far, and at this point, I've seen dozens.
Coming from acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused," "Before Sunrise," "School of Rock"), this movie is a retelling of the making of the film "Breathless." Directed by the legendary Jean-Luc Godard, that crime drama became the gold standard of French New Wave cinema, or, as it's called in French, Nouvelle Vague.
The French New Wave was an art movement in the 1950s and 60s that is still influencing how films are made today. And if "Breathless" is the gold standard of the New Wave, then "Nouvelle Vague" is the perfect homage.
"Nouvelle Vague' transports you back to 1950s France, and looks good doing it
"Nouvelle Vague" is, above all else, an incredibly stylish period piece. You not only feel like you're in 1950s France, but you feel like you're watching a French New Wave film. From a technical standpoint, it's a stunning homage to the genre, and we may never see homage done so well again.
Now, as far as this movie holding its own as a cinematic achievement ... well, to quote Jodie Ruth-Forest as Suzanne Schiffman in this film, “It's no Citizen Kane.” Frankly, it's no “Breathless” either, though again, that's a high bar to clear. "Nouvelle Vague" has some flaws, including that it inexplicably drags for the final half hour despite only being an hour and 47 minutes long. Even more inexplicable, I struggle to think of anything to cut from the movie, which is probably a shock to those who know me. I can almost always find 20 minutes to cut from a film, but I struggle to find a frame from this movie that I'd drop.
That's in no small part due to the incredible performances in this comedy-drama. Guillaume Marbeck is incredible as Jean-Luc Godard, and it should be a star-making performance for the French actor. The same could be said of Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, and this film should certainly go on Zoey Deutch’s reel. The dialogue is witty; you'll laugh on more than one occasion. You truly do fall in love with some of these characters by the time the movie is over.
You also fall in love with cinema, even if you're a self-proclaimed cinephile like me. That's perhaps the biggest achievement of “Nouvelle Vague.” Yes, it's an incredible homage, but watching this movie, you can't help but find yourself wanting to go home and queue up “Breathless” immediately (which you can do on HBO Max), ideally in an impeccably tailored sport coat and trousers, wearing sunglasses indoors and smoking a cigarette.
Stream "Nouvelle Vague" on Netflix now
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