Moving. Authentic. Hopeful. That’s how I experienced this film, this little gem I encountered by chance. At its core, it’s about the principle of restorative justice. The film is definitely an advocate of it and portrays a positive process of possible forgiveness, at the end of which inner peace can emerge. And with it, the hopeful prospect of returning to a life without fear.

It’s fascinating to witness how the slow peeling away of layers unfolds in the groups. How the individuals open up to one another, grapple with their stories, and then grow closer until they are healed to certain degrees—and thus the group appears strengthened as a whole at the end. But as so often in life: when you leave a supportive environment, many fail to meet the challenges alone outside. This isn’t addressed here. Nor does it need to be.

What impressed me most deeply, however, was the character Chloe, who lives through her very own story of processing and reconciliation with her abuse. Reserved yet full of strength, she walks her path of confrontation with the past, moving toward it along a narrow line—superbly portrayed by Adèle Exarchopoulos. The outcome of her story moved me most of all.

I watched it in German dubbing, which diminishes much of the liveliness that the French simply have, and thus much of the power of the dialogue is lost. I see this as the main reason why I sometimes couldn’t fully participate in the characters and their emotions, especially those in the group. Much of it, however, feels genuine and authentic. It could unfold like this, or similarly, in real life, which lends the whole thing a special note of authenticity. A moving and outstanding film.

All Your Faces (2023)