Claire Denis’ “Let the Sunshine In”

Let the Sunshine In (2017)

Loneliness and the search for love in middle age with a strong performance from Juliette Binoche, the film is steeped in French culture which is at times confounding

Our protagonist in Isabelle(Juliette Binoche) is a divorced artist who after breaking off an affair with a lecherous banker(Xavier Beauvois) begins a desperate search for a loving relationship. Thrown into that, there is a psychic(Gerard Depardieu) who gives concrete advice on which relationships will last and what’s on the horizon. It’s quite strange. It felt like her own independence was never an option. The character of Isabelle is quite compelling and the promise of the title felt only partially delivered. In addition, the inclusion of a psychic to whom she is dependent felt at odds with much of the film. Furthermore, Isabelle is a mother of a 10 year old who is only fleetingly glimpsed and whose sole purpose is to be witness to her mother crying herself to sleep each night.

It’s a strange one. I feel there’s more there but I’m not sure if I have the inclination to rewatch a character I like be at the mercy of a series of men for a second time.