I’ll examine the 2021 French film Le Temps des Secrets (The Time of Secrets) in this review. I’m especially interested in the performance of young actor Léo Champion, whose work I’ve seen previously in Arthur Casez‘s short film Alone. The opening credits announce his debut in cinema as The Time of Secrets is his first full-length feature film.
The Time of Secrets tells a delightful and relatable story about growing up, filled with meaningful moments with which everyone can connect. The movie begins with a scene that hints at a memory-based narrative, showing an old man walking toward a cave. We then flashback to his childhood in Marseille, France. Such memory-based narratives are often a feature in the Coming-of-Age genre and frequently, as in this case, explore themes of first love, shifting friendships, and the challenges of navigating one’s place in the world.
The narrative unfolds in two distinct parts: one during Marcel’s summer vacation, where he meets the captivating Isabelle (portrayed wonderfully by the young Lucie Berset), and the other as he navigates the complexities of attending a new school in Marseille.
The film’s visual style echoes the aesthetics of classical European cinema, particularly films that focus on pastoral beauty and Coming-of-Age themes. The soft, naturalistic lighting and warm, nostalgic hues create a dreamlike, almost poetic atmosphere. The narrative is character-driven and based on the autobiographical novel of the French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker Marcel Pagnol.
With a character-based narrative, casting the lead protagonist is essential, and they could not have made a better choice than casting Léo Campion. His portrayal of the young Marcel is a masterclass in subtle emotional expression. His expressive face tugs at the heartstrings throughout the film. From the wonder in his eyes as he listens to Isabelle play the piano during that magical summer, a scene that beautifully captures the burgeoning feelings of first love, to the subtle gestures that betray his inner turmoil later at school, Campion’s portrayal is both nuanced and deeply moving.
And connect I did. The film’s portrayal of first love and shifting friendships felt intensely personal. Marcel’s choice resonated with my experience of choosing a girl over a soccer game with my closest friends – a decision that, while heartfelt back then, now seems less clear-cut. Watching Marcel’s struggles as a scholarship student hit close to home, especially the scene where he faces adversity. It brought back memories of my time as a US scholarship student.
Marcel is a richly layered protagonist whose journey in Le Temps des Secrets encapsulates the bittersweet essence of growing up. The camera often lingers on his face, ensuring one can connect with Marcel’s emotional journey. A shallow depth of field is utilized frequently to keep Léo Campion’s character in sharp focus while the background remains soft and indistinct.
This technique heightens emotional engagement and signifies the boy’s inner world, suggesting that his thoughts and feelings are the narrative’s focal point. Yet, just like in life, I can’t promise you will always like his character and choices.
The film’s director, Christophe Barratier, has previously directed two masterpieces of Coming-of-Age cinema: War of the Buttons (2011) and The Chorus (2004). His experience in working with young actors is evident throughout this film.
The film’s musical score further enhances this sentiment. The music in this movie is deeply woven into the film. It’s part of the story, like in the scenes where Isabelle plays the piano, but it’s also like a nostalgic movie soundtrack you’d hear in a theater. It has this melancholic vibe that makes you long for the past, like Marcel does.
The setting and locations in which the film is shot deserve mention. I have always thought France is a beautiful country, and the filmmakers ensure that one can appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the characters. The soft and diffused lighting suggests a gentle, perhaps serene, atmosphere.
The natural setting serves as a character in its own right, with the landscape depicted as vast and inviting. The film’s visuals are often reminiscent of Impressionist art, which adds to the warmth and emotional depth of the story. I enjoyed the way the movie flows between scenes. The transitions are smooth, and they help tell the story.
The film is listed as both a drama and a comedy. While humor is present, it is also a delightful blend of witty dialogue and subtle, observational comedy. While the interactions between characters often provide laugh-out-loud moments, the film also offers quieter, more reflective humor that arises from the situations themselves. Furthermore, the film uses subtle storytelling to introduce adult complexities (social classes, women’s rights… etc.) without over-explaining them.
The final scene of The Time of Secrets is truly beautiful. Tears streamed down my face — happy tears because the story so moved me. This film reminded me why I love movies, especially Coming-of-Age stories. It’s a feeling that will stay with me until my last breath. I highly recommend this film. I’m positive you, like me, will fall under its charm.
