‘Holy Cow’ Review: Vivacious French Coming-of-Ager Finds True Solidarity in Rural Life

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As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed that when chatting with someone casually or offering help during tough times, we often don’t expect deep emotional revelations. Instead, it’s about exchanging pleasantries and quick responses, almost like social rituals. However, the filmmaker Louise Courvoisier challenges this norm in her debut feature “Holy Cow,” a vibrant coming-of-age story unfolding against the backdrop of French dairy farms. This film beautifully demonstrates how genuine support can be extended among individuals, going beyond shallow gestures and empty words.

The movie Courvoisier primarily focuses on a character named Totone, played by Clément Faveau. He’s a skinny 18-year-old from the rural Jura region of eastern France, where the director was raised. This local artist portrays the simple yet rich lives of the locals in a way that is kindly humorous rather than condescending or overly romanticized. However, Totone’s leisurely days filled with beer, flirting, and motorbike rides on open roads take a backseat when his father unexpectedly passes away, leaving him responsible for his cute little sister Claire (Luna Garret).

At that critical juncture, Totone discovers the adults who swore to help him were not ready to fulfill their commitment. Faveau’s quirky appearance and petite physique share a resemblance with the young Dominique Pinon from the French film “Delicatessen”. The newcomer actor, debuting in this production, portrays Totone as a bewildered child forced to mature, yet appears more inclined towards playful antics. There’s an appealing contradiction in his character – he’s ready to expose himself in public for a boisterous outburst of immaturity, but serious enough to consider taking on the responsibility of guardianship for Claire.

In his series of unfortunate choices, a young man is depicted against the backdrop of vibrant, sun-soaked scenery, either on his bicycle or surrounded by friends on tractors, creating a somewhat fantastical atmosphere. Throughout various scenes, Courvoisier and Balézeaux take special care to film intimate moments that are lighthearted yet subtle. The enchanting musical score, created by the director’s brother and mother, Charles and Linda Courvoisier, adds an ethereal quality to this simple story, giving it a sense of profound mystery.

Through a brief stint as a milk truck driver, bumbling Totone encounters Marie-Lise (Maïwène Barthélemy), a tough yet independent farmer. At first their interactions are strained, but soon they engage in a playful romance that broadens Totone’s romantic experiences and transforms him into a more compassionate lover. Their bond deepens not just emotionally, but also through the shared hard work they both understand from their farming lives. Courvoisier’s film, filled with authentic characters, celebrates down-to-earth individuals who earn a living by physical labor. In this film, relationships are grounded in reality and tangible actions, rather than abstract concepts.

The seemingly superficial camaraderie between Totone, a man, and his friends – the tall car driver Jean-Yves (Mathis Bernard), the joker Francis (Dimitri Baudry) – may seem shallow in its emotional depth, possibly strengthening the stereotype of male friendships. However, these companions prefer to spend their time together in quiet drinking rather than revealing their deepest worries. But when Totone finds himself in despair, Jean-Yves demonstrates an act of selflessness by risking his most prized asset to help his friend pursue an unconventional goal: competing for the title of best Comté cheese maker.

In their bonds, they might not delve deeply into philosophical contemplations, but when it comes to matters of practical assistance, they truly shine. Instead of pondering over their problems, they swiftly seek solutions within their means. Unlike offering monetary aid or job opportunities, Totone’s companions are always ready to extend a helping hand, even in stealing the milk he needs for his cheese-making. In much the same way as caring for a cherished sibling, both Francis and Jean-Yves tenderly look after Claire with utmost affection.

In the novel “Holy Cow,” following a disagreement between Totone and Jean-Yves, the loyal friend, Totone, rushes to aid Jean-Yves during a crucial contest without a single word being spoken. This act of friendship again underscores their deep bond. Contrastingly, in an idealized Hollywood rendition of “Holy Cow,” Totone and his fellow drifters would somehow discover a loophole to secure the prize. However, Courvoisier’s realistic portrayal presents a different scenario where their immature behavior collides with the harsh realities they face. They are unable to triumph over all the challenges due to sheer determination because the world, unfortunately, is often unjust by design rather than chance.

Despite Courvoisier’s debut portraying rural life, it steers clear of a gloomy perspective. With Claire serving as his greatest supporter, Totone continues to progress, rediscovering a passion for conventional cheese-making. The seemingly ordinary characters in “Holy Cow” radiate an understated resilience, subtly conveying a sense of quiet joy that resonates as refreshing and revitalizing.

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2025-04-04 01:28