Angel & Tony Review

A personal ad has unexpected consequences in this slow-moving French drama from debut director Alix Delaporte. When attractive young Angel (Clotilde Hesme) meets fisherman Tony (Grégory Gadebois), he rejects her crude sexual advances — what on earth do they have in common? Instead, he gives her a job and lodging in the quiet Normandy fishing village. Performances are strong: headstrong Hesme comes across like a French Daniela Nardini while Gadebois’ character is so ordinary it’s refreshing. There is a danger of ennui: no grand passion, no big twist. But like its hero this film is the strong, silent type, brimming with meaning if you’ve the patience to scratch away at the surface. And it takes you right into the heart of the French harbour: you can almost smell the fish.