★★★★☆
Isabelle Tollenaere’s Paris Paris is a docu-fiction about three immigrants living together in a squatted Paris apartment, taking a unique approach to both the art and craft of filmmaking.
Having written and directed the film, Tollenaere has a clear sense of the film she’s trying to craft, and it shows.
Since the film isn’t told in a traditional sense, there is no conventional narrative arc or plot progression. Instead, it functions as a character-driven piece that explores humanity and one’s sense of belonging.
“An insightful look at humanity and what it means to be human.”
Tollenaere’s decision to make Paris Paris a docu-fiction rather than a traditional work of fiction allows her to explore the characters without relying on conventional story beats to move the film forward.
For the majority of the film, we watch the protagonists sitting in a language class, talking with the teacher and other adult students learning a second language.
This allows us to simply watch, observe, and see how the characters interact, grow, and showcase their humanity toward one another.
The result is an intimate look at people simply trying to find a place to belong and connect with others who share that same desire.
The film’s pacing is undeniably slow, but it remains steady and intentional. Its tone and structure never waver.
“A slow-burning character piece that showcases a community built through connection.”
That measured approach allows a slow-burning character piece to emerge, showcasing a community formed by people who simply want to connect.
Thomas Verijke’s cinematography is crisp and consistently well-framed. Every shot feels intentional and gives the film a polished finish.
Verijke’s camera work is intentionally simple, complementing the film’s pacing and tone.
The clean, restrained compositions allow the film to move at its own deliberate pace without abrasive editing or excessive cuts interrupting its rhythm.
Tollenaere, who also serves as editor, keeps her finger on the pulse of the entire filmmaking process, ensuring the finished film is as crisp and focused as her vision.
“Every shot feels intentional and gives the film a polished finish.”
The performances are equally understated, yet fully embodied.
The cast has a firm grasp of both their characters and the film as a whole, grounding every performance in a quiet authenticity.
While Paris Paris burns slowly, it fully captures the essence of the story it sets out to tell, using its intentional lack of narrative to build a blissful portrait of everyday life.
Paris Paris offers an insightful look at humanity and what it means to be human, capturing both the longing to belong and the comfort of finally finding the people who make you feel that you do.
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