Three French siblings scattered around the globe (Charles Berling, Juliette Binoche, Jérémie Renier, in order of prominence on screen) must dispose of the valuable family estate, including a couple of Corots and Redons, after the sudden death of their seventy-five-year-old mother (Edith Scob, still elegant even if a long way from the dainty angel of prime Franju, Eyes without a Face, Judex, Thérèse Desqueyroux, Thomas the Imposter). Although the development may be talky and slow, it approximates the flow of life, and it noses around a substantial subject and theme, the severing of roots, the dissipation of family, the detachment from tradition. The emotional payoff, not just the final scene but at least the final three, while gentle and muted, is distinctly felt. Written, directed by Olivier Assayas. (2008) — Duncan Shepherd
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