There is three parts to this film:
The first is a meta series of interviews with the actors, both cast and uncast, as they discuss their lives and why they want to be in the film.
The second is a memorial service in Senegal for the father of the nominal main character.
The third is a wedding of the daughter of the main character a year later.
All of the pieces are intercut.
I have no idea what to say but I was quietly sobbing in the theater, not because the film was tragic or anything bad, but simply because I was witnessing a film, I had shown me things I had never seen before.
I had never seen anything quite like this on a technical level. How everything is cut together is perfect. I have no notes.
I had never seen a film that represented life on screen where it didn't feel scripted or constructed. I wasn't watching a film, despite knowing they are actors, but I was watching life unfold, with no good guys or bad guys or fake drama. I was simply in the middle of these wonderful people.
This was the first time I had ever seen any part of Africa, in any film that didn't look like a movie. Seeing Africa as a place, like any other place anywhere else in the world moved me. It was a first time I've ever felt that I was just in a place with people and not someplace other. The people in Paris were the same as Senegal.
Seeing all these these things moved me.
Seeing life as lived moved me to tears.
My God this film is glorious.
For now, that's all I can say. This film is wonderful (okay maybe it is too long at 192 minutes - but that's a quibble.)
Highly recommended.
This is one of the best films at this year's New York Film Festival and probably 2026.
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