© Balthazar Lab
“Who by Fire,” the third feature film by Canadian director Philippe Lesage, delves into the various dynamics of relationships against the isolated backdrop of a Canadian wilderness lodge, with seventeen-year-old Jeff at the narrative’s core. Invited for a holiday by his friend Max to director and family friend Blake Cadieux’ home, Jeff is introduced to a set of complex relationships, leading to life-altering revelations and events.
Director: Philippe Lesage
Year: 2024
Country: Canada, France
Runtime: 161 minutes
The journey to Blake (played by César-winning actor Arieh Worthalter) his cabin during a car ride and plane trip to the director’s island, stylized in the first of a series of long takes, sets the stage for the unfolding of nuanced emotional layers and tensions by establishing a sense of isolation. The film articulates a rich dialogue on authenticity in art and life. At the heart of the film is the palpable tension between Albert (Max’s father) and Blake, underscored by their past collaboration and Blake’s subsequent pursuit of documentary filmmaking. Through several dinner scenes, marked by prolonged still shots, Lesage masterfully captures the escalating tension that culminates in explosive outbursts.
The film’s screenplay gains depth as Lesage expands his scope to focus on various characters within the ensemble. Mirroring the elder’s conflict, a significant narrative turn occurs with Aliocha’s (Albert’s daughter) rejection of Jeff, following an unreciprocated advance, and a subsequent violent outburst, leading to a devastating long take in which Jeff runs off into the woods. This incident reflects the dynamics between Albert and Blake, illustrating how the older generation’s conflicts can profoundly influence the younger ones.
Lesage’s stunning direction stands out through his use of long takes that accentuate the film’s emotional depth and the complex undercurrents among the characters. It is especially the presence (or lack of) movement that heightens the atmosphere of certain scenes, putting the viewer in the place of the characters. This way, the well-executed technical decision by the director does not just simply align with the narrative but also deepens the audience’s engagement with the characters’ emotions and the film’s thematic concerns.
“Who by Fire” is a reflective piece on toxic masculinity, the pursuit of authenticity, and the impact of older generations on the adolescent. This work challenges viewers to contemplate the nuanced ways in which different people relate to each other and act according to this. With stunning directing by Philippe Lesage and a screenplay that stimulates on both an intellectual and anthropological level, “Who by Fire” is an ever-fascinating work in which any audience will undoubtedly find something of worth.
“Who by Fire” premiered at the 2024 Berlinale Film Festival as part of the festival’s Generation 14plus section.
obviouslyreviews.com 