«First year»: what if we skipped it?

Cinema Wednesdays - Jonas Follonier

This week, you may have gone to the cinema to see the new film by French doctor and director Thomas Lilti. His feature film First year takes a closer look at the world of medicine, and more specifically at the studies that lead to it, in the heart of Paris. A whole world of medical entrance exams. Antoine starts his first year... for the third time in a row, so he's a «triplet». As for Benjamin, he's doing his first year. A casual friendship develops between the two men, but can it withstand the pressure of competition?

Clearly, the subject can be interesting. It certainly is for those concerned by the difficulties of studying medicine, who will no doubt have a good time watching the film. But it's not for the average viewer, such as myself, First year struggles to establish itself as a captivating, or even entertaining, film. The fault lies with the acting, which fails to deliver anything exceptional, and the direction, which falls short of what you'd expect from a French comedy-drama.

The dialogues save the day a little, like the advice given by Antoine (Vincent Lacoste) to his sidekick: «Whenever you feel like crying, put this in a box and open it after the competition.» Or this comical occurrence from Benjamin's father: «You've put on weight, haven't you? Watch out, because as you're small, if you get fat, you'll be a little fat! Another positive point to raise is the opening scene, which deals with the more than questionable relevance of guidance counselors.

However, when it comes to assessing the film, it has to be said that, although it may appeal to a certain audience - medical students - because they will recognize themselves in the infernal machinery of the competition that crushes everything in its path, this hour-and-a-half of cinema leaves the impression of a rather empty film. It's hard to imagine that it will leave any long-term mark on French cinema. In retrospect, I think maybe I should have skipped this film about crowded lecture halls. But that's just my humble opinion. What's yours?

Write to the author : jonas.follonier@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Filmcoopi - Denis Manin