All of a Sudden
France, Japan, Germany, Belgium.
Director | Ryũsuke Hamaguchi (Evil Does Not Exist, Drive My Car, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, Asako I & II)
Stars | Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto

I truly believe there are certain movies that if viewed at the right time, both in our own lives and in terms of current mood and space we have in our minds and hearts, can be profoundly felt and have an everlasting impact.

All of a Sudden is one of those films.

The snapshot of the plot involves an overworked director of a care facility for the elderly who strikes up a sincere and beautiful friendship with a theatre director facing her own very personal crisis.

The time and attention devoted to detail and the empathy present in every aspect the writing touches is in this film is exemplary. It is largely an utterly engaging and educational social realism drama but one that is simultaneously about the power of human connection and the meaning a stranger can bring into a person’s world.

This is already a MIFF standout and will be one of the best films of 2027 when in general release next year. Furthermore, the two aforementioned Cannes Award winning actresses are equally mesmerising to watch, and their on-screen chemistry is majestic.

4.5/5