My Son Story Story:-
Director Christian Carion and actor Guillaume Canet join forces once again in “My Son” (“Mon garçon”), a film that attempts to marry psychological depth with adrenaline-fueled action but ultimately falls short of its ambitions. Released in 2017 to modest success in France, the movie presents a polished yet somewhat formulaic take on the vigilante thriller genre.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 22 July 2022 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Mystery |
| Duration | 1h 35min |
| Cast | James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis, Michael Moreland, Robert Jack, Owen Whitelaw, Paul Rattray, Max Wilson |
| Director | Christian Carion |
| Writer | Christian Carion, Laure Irrmann |
| Cinematography | Eric Dumont |
| Music | Laurent Perez del Mar |
| Producer | Marc Butan, Christian Carion, Brahim Chioua, Laure Irrman, Vincent Maraval, Rebecca O’Brien |
| Production | Une Hirondelle Productions, Wild Bunch International, Sixteen Films |
| Certificate | 16+ |
At the heart of “My Son” is Canet’s performance as Julien, a geologist grappling with the consequences of his choices. When his son Mathys mysteriously disappears during a camping trip, Julien is thrust into a frantic search through the mountains of southeast France. His guilt over prioritizing work over family fuels his determination to find his son, setting the stage for a gripping narrative that promises to delve into themes of parental responsibility and fractured relationships.
However, as the story unfolds, the film prioritizes genre conventions over character exploration. Julien’s one-man investigation takes center stage, sidelining opportunities for deeper emotional resonance. Despite Canet’s compelling portrayal of a father consumed by grief and desperation, the script fails to fully capitalize on the complexities of his character.
Carion’s decision to shoot the film in just six days without a traditional script adds an element of risk and spontaneity to the production. While this unconventional approach may have contributed to the film’s sense of urgency, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the characters’ motivations and relationships.
The supporting cast, including Mélanie Laurent as Julien’s ex-wife Marie, adds depth to the narrative with their nuanced performances. However, their roles are often overshadowed by the film’s relentless focus on Julien’s quest for answers.
From a technical standpoint, “My Son” boasts impressive cinematography and a gripping score that heighten the tension throughout the film. Eric Dumont’s handheld camerawork captures the rugged beauty of the French countryside while also conveying a sense of danger and uncertainty.
Despite its technical merits, “My Son” struggles to transcend the limitations of its genre. Carion’s attempt to blend psychological drama with action-packed thrills results in a film that feels disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying. While it offers moments of suspense and intrigue, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.
In the end, “My Son” serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing genre conventions with deeper thematic exploration. While Carion and Canet’s collaboration shows promise, this particular outing fails to live up to the expectations set by their previous work.
