299. Matthias & Maxime; movie review

 

MATTHIAS & MAXIME

Cert 15

120 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong language, sex references, nudity, sex, drug misuse, domestic abuse

Xavier Dolan's name is spoken in high regard in movie circles and yet, curiously, his reputation has significantly outweighed his box office success.

Nevertheless, at the age of 31, he has won Cannes Film Festival awards for five of his movies.

Matthias & Maxime swept to glory at the Quebec Cinema Awards and could have added more gongs if it hadn't been for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Critics have claimed Dolan is restrained with this movie about a lifelong friendship which is tipping over into awkward romantic love.

Unfortunately, Mrs W and I found it plain dull.

It stars Gabriel D'Almeida Freitas as Matthias, a successful businessman with a perfect girlfriend but a secret crush on his pal which he is trying to suppress,

Maxime (Dolan) is a bartender whose time is largely occupied with looking after an abusive, alcoholic mother. He would certainly be open about his love for Matthias if it were reciprocated.

Anyway, the central moment of the film is when they are persuaded to be part of a student film which requires them to kiss.

We don't actually see the snog but it clearly confuses both friends.

However, the most frustrating element of Matthias & Maxime is that there is such a lot of skirting around.

Neither man appears prepared to confront their feelings - Matt just becomes moodier and Max's face appears to be fixed in resignation.

Meanwhile, the latter is organising to move permanently to Australia and leaving parties become overshadowed by the question of 'will they, won't they?'

However, for too long, furtive glances are all that the film delivers.

I was waiting for a crescendo which never comes and, unsurprisingly the movie's ending is unsatisfactory.

Which led to me asking myself what the point was. Disappointingly, I couldn't conjure an answer. 

Reasons to watch: An exploration of same-sex love between close friends

Reasons to avoid: It's so long-winded

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Yes - on photos

Overall rating: 3/10

Did you know? Xavier Dolan directed the music video for Adele's hit single "Hello" in 2015.

The final word. Xavier Dolan: "Matthias and Maxime is about finding yourself, trying new things, exploring the otherness in you, in others, in situations. I imagine the following years as creatively stimulating and wild, and curious. It’s daunting to think I’m beginning a new cycle in my life; ageing. And at the same time, as an artist, it’s so exciting. Decider

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