Paloma Sermon-Daï’s sophomore film, “It’s Raining in the House,” showcased at Cannes, is a testament to the director’s ability to craft personal narratives that resonate deeply with the viewer. Stepping away from her documentary roots, Sermon-Daï ventures into the realm of fiction with this feature, yet retains an authentic touch of raw and emotional storytelling.
Original Title: Il pleut dans la maison
Directed by: Paloma Sermon-Daï
Year: 2023
Country: Belgium, France
Length: 80 minutes
“It’s Raining in the House” delves into a world where the line between abandonment and independence is blurred, where familial bonds become a lifeline. The narrative revolves around siblings Purdey and Makenzy, played with remarkable authenticity by real-life step-siblings Purdey Bloquiau and Makenzy Lombet. They are left to fend for themselves amid the recurrent absences of their mother – a grim reality they navigate with a mix of resilience and vulnerability that leaves a lasting impression.
The siblings’ relationship is the beating heart of this film. Their performances, imbued with an unforced naturalness, are as compelling as they are heartbreaking. Bloquiau and Lombet’s on-screen chemistry is potent – a testament to their real-life bond. They deliver a nuanced portrayal of siblings thrust into adult roles too soon, their codependency a survival mechanism in a world that’s abandoned them.
Sermon-Daï’s storytelling prowess shines through in her depiction of these siblings’ lives. The narrative is imbued with a realism that is at times hard-hitting, yet it never loses its tender undercurrent. The director’s understanding of personal narratives, honed in her gripping debut documentary, is evident in the care with which she treats her characters, making them not just subjects of a story, but people we come to care for.
The film triumphs as a unique jewel amidst the usual avalanche of ‘poverty porn’ that frequently populates our screens. It astutely eschews worn-out tropes and superficial portrayals to present a nuanced narrative that values authenticity over sensationalism. Its personal nature, rooted in empathetic storytelling rather than exploitation, sets it apart. The characters breathe real life, resonating with raw human spirit and the struggles and triumphs inherent in it. This is a work that’s unafraid to delve into the complexities of hardship while also illuminating the everyday grace that can accompany it. As such, it is a breath of fresh air and a testament to the power of sincere and respectful storytelling.
The cinematography complements the narrative’s raw, intimate nature. Each frame is thoughtfully composed, and the film’s visual language adds another layer to the story, encapsulating the characters’ loneliness, their longing for support, and their unyielding spirit.
In conclusion, “It’s Raining in the House” is a poignant exploration of kinship, resilience, and the painful realities of growing up too soon. Sermon-Daï’s transition from documentary to fiction is a successful one, and this film stands as a testament to her talent as a storyteller. The performances of Purdey Baquie and Makenzy Lombet are not to be missed, their portrayal of sibling bonds shaped by adversity being as heartrending as it is compelling. This film is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates cinema that’s grounded in reality, yet rises above it, to reveal the extraordinary strength of the bond between two siblings.
´It´s Raining in the House´ premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival as part of the International Critics’ Week section.
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