Is Comme il vient Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2002)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Fantasy cinema, the 2002 release of Comme il vient stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In Annemasse, Haute-Savoie, Lou, 25, a librarian, and Hugo, 24, a worker, meet Julie, their older sister, who left five years earlier for New York to pursue a career in theater. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In Annemasse, Haute-Savoie, Lou, 25, a librarian, and Hugo, 24, a worker, meet Julie, their older sister, who left five years earlier for New York to pursue a career in theater. She returns with Nina, her baby, and adapts with difficulty to the rhythm of this small town. Hugo discovers his older sister, whose life he dreamed of, while Lou takes her return with simplicity, in the present, without asking herself any questions. Through this reunion, they realize that they have become adults, each one choosing a personal life path, each one aspiring to a different happiness than the others."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Gaspard Manesse, the performance in Comme il vient feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Christophe Chiesa is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 73 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Comme il vient truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Fantasy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Comme il vient explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2002 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Christophe Chiesa respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Comme il vient is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gaspard Manesse or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Comme il vient is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.