The recurring melodies from Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana,” specifically the intermezzo, create a lingering atmosphere as we observe accomplished pianist Henri (Gérard Poirier) enjoying coffee at a café. A younger woman joins him, and they converse before an abrupt shift occurs; he finds himself being held by nurses and given medication. It then becomes apparent that this is an older man receiving medical care, with the woman, Nathalie (Maria Tifo), revealed as his daughter and beloved wife Maria (Louise Leprade) existing only in his exceptionally realistic imagination. He experiences moments of clarity, but these are painful because they bring back fragments of his past—his time serving as a soldier and his life shared with his violinist spouse. As he states plainly, “what is left of life if I have no memories?” This simple sadness is what the film portrays, largely from his point of view over its twenty-minute length. The viewer gains insight into his fear and frustration; the close camera work almost makes you feel as though you are experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and the isolation that comes with it. It feels like a production viewed through a personal perspective, and one that is handled with considerable care and emotional depth. I would recommend seeing it.

Source on TMDB