Silent Souls

Two estranged sisters, living in Russia, are forced to reunite after the death of their mother. One sister, a Parisian intellectual, returns to her childhood home to deal with the practicalities of her mother's passing, while the other, who remained in Russia, is deeply entrenched in the local traditions and a complicated relationship. Their differing perspectives on life, grief, and family come to the forefront as they navigate their mother's complex legacy and their own fractured relationship.

Silent Souls received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its emotional depth, nuanced performances, and Desplechin's distinctive directorial style. Some found the pacing deliberate, but overall it was recognized for its poignant exploration of familial bonds and cultural divides.

• Praised for its sensitive portrayal of grief and sibling dynamics.

• Arnaud Desplechin's distinctive, often melancholic, cinematic style is a highlight.

• The film offers a thoughtful examination of cultural differences and familial estrangement.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciated the film's emotional resonance and the powerful performances, particularly from the lead actresses. Some viewers found the narrative to be slow-moving or somewhat bleak, but many connected with its exploration of complex family relationships.

Nominated for Best Film at the Lumières Awards (France).

The film was shot on location in Russia, with much of the visual storytelling emphasizing the stark beauty and sometimes harsh realities of the Russian landscape.