German-born filmmaker Detlef Bothe writes and directs this low-key drama concerning a young couple who head out to the south of France for a short holiday, only to discover how family secrets can emerge to make things difficult at the most inopportune times. Julie and Marcel are two college students seeking to get away from their studies and spend a few quiet days in the country. As luck would have it, Julie's mother Susan lives in a cozy little home just a few hours away. En route to their destination, soothing silence rapidly gives way to constant bickering as the young couple gradually finds their common ground marred by treacherous trails and conversational landmines. Julie is defensive because she never really knew her father, and Marcel has always distanced himself from family for fear that others will discover his father is a drug addict. Later, upon arriving at their destination, Julie is shocked to discover that her estranged father has not moved abroad as she was once led to believe, but instead lives in surprisingly close proximity to Susan. Regardless of his close geographical proximity, however, Julie's reclusive father soon proves to harbor a few very dangerous secrets.
by Jason Buchanan
synopsis
