Slack Bay (2016)

Film Summary
"Slack Bay", also known as "Ma Loute", is a 2016 surreal comedy-drama movie directed by Bruno Dumont. The movie stars distinguished actors such as Juliette Binoche, Fabrice Luchini, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. Set in the picturesque coastal region of Northern France in 1910, the film uses a tonal disparity of visual appeal contrasted with underlying grimness.

Plot Overview
The story opens in the Bay of Slack, a region marked by spectacular cliffs and sandy beaches. The bay is a summertime retreat for the eccentric and aristocratic Van Peteghem household, while the regional Brufort household works as mussel collectors and ferrymen. While the van Peteghems reside in over the top high-end, the Brufort household leads an easier and harsher life.

The plot thickens when mysterious disappearances of travelers happen in the bay. Machin, a rotund inspector, and his assistant Malfoy, start an investigation into these occasions. Whereas, a peculiar love story blooms amidst this chaos in between Ma Loute, the eldest son of the Brufort household, and Billie Van Peteghem, who fights her own gender identity problems.

Moral and Social Commentary
Throughout the narrative, the director satirically highlights the class variation between the Bruforts and the Van Peteghems. The Bruforts are portrayed as primal and uncouth, resorting to cannibalism due to poverty. In contrast, the Van Peteghems are portrayed as monstrous caricatures of the bourgeoisie, oversaturated with luxuries however void of human sensitivity. With a surreal and absurdist lens, the movie critiques the social inequality prevalent in society.

Notable Performances
Juliette Binoche as Aude Van Peteghem gives an unforgettable performance, including layers of overstated theatrics. Bruno Dumont makes use of Fabrice Luchini's comedic timing skilfully - he depicts André Van Peteghem, a character that represents the unconcerned and removed nature of the upper class.

Technique and Aesthetic
The quaint and picturesque background of the film functions as a considerable juxtaposing element against the plot's grimness. Dumont skillfully uses aesthetic beauty to camouflage the grotesque and severe truth in "Slack Bay". With using long shots, the director effectively interacts the smallness of human presence in the bigger scheme of the landscape.

Critical Reception
Regardless of its eccentricity, "Slack Bay" was extensively acknowledged for its special blending of different categories. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and had 9 elections at the 42nd César Awards, proving its crucial praise.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Slack Bay" is an eccentric and dark funny taking a look at class variations with a surreal lens. While showing Dumont's signature style of unforeseen absurdities, horror-comedy, and social commentary, the film offers an engaging mix for audiences looking for a break from generally direct stories. Through a selection of varied efficiencies, stark contrasts of absurdity and appeal, and an interesting story, "Slack Bay" manifests as a special cinematic experience.

Top Cast