The romance unfolds quickly, then gradually fades. I was aware going in that this was a love story, but what followed was unexpected. It felt different, though not entirely unique; there are many similar films already out there. The film’s emphasis wasn't on the characters themselves, but rather on the stages and rhythm of a romantic relationship – the initial feelings and how those same emotions evolve over time. The differences in their experiences were what the movie highlighted, although that couldn't exist without the characters and their viewpoints. Essentially, it explores how a romance can develop, its influence on others, all the fun and crazy moments involved. The director drew inspiration from his own marriage for parts of this film. The casting was good, and the performances were solid. I felt there was a lack of depth in the storytelling; meaning, you don’t fully understand the characters. Everything we learn comes from the events that begin the story. It's primarily about the romance, with little else explored – not even their professions or friends, aside from brief appearances to move the plot along. The entire two-hour runtime feels centered on an intense romantic experience, which can be divided into two distinct sections: the first half and the second. The initial portion focuses on the beginning of the relationship. A girl meets a boy, they instantly fall in love, and do impulsive things to establish their connection. It seems like any typical romance film at first, but it's all carefully designed to set up what happens later. Beyond their professional standing, there’s an implication of a wealthy man meeting a woman from a more modest background, with her entering his world and experiencing a luxurious lifestyle alongside the budding romance. The story is largely told from the woman’s perspective, using a layered narration that jumps between timelines to reveal events. > ❝I prefer not to be in love and not get hurt.❞ The woman appears to have been involved in an accident early on, triggering her memories of her whirlwind romance with a wealthy man. While recovering from a knee injury, she makes friends who support each other through their individual struggles. Through the narration, we learn about everything she’s experienced: not just a happy love story, but also challenges that arise over time – having a child, becoming parents, and how life drastically changes for both of them. Despite this, their love and care for one another remain deep within their hearts. Life is unpredictable, so the ending didn't entirely surprise me because it felt realistic. At times, I thought it resembled France’s version of 'The Notebook'. It wasn’t an emotionally charged conclusion; I’m not referring to whether it was happy or sad, but rather that the film felt honest about real life. The way the second half unfolded was a clever twist in the storytelling, though executed slowly. This is a movie geared towards people in their late thirties or forties. If the characters and their generation had been younger, perhaps in their twenties, it would have been an entirely different kind of film with a broader audience – which is what many Hollywood movies aim for these days. This film could easily have been among the frontrunners for Oscars if made in Hollywood. The acting was truly excellent; Emmanuelle Bercot was particularly impressive, and Vincent Cassel demonstrated his usual talent, proving why he’s one of France's top stars. I felt that two hours was a little long, but the writing was good, and they filled the film with events that helped build momentum for what followed. Despite considering it a worthwhile film, I don’t think everyone will enjoy it. Some viewers might not connect with it initially because it isn't purely entertainment or art; instead, it offers a realistic portrayal of relationships and their evolution in today's world – exploring alternatives to the traditional efforts people made to preserve them in previous generations. So, choose wisely. _7/10_

Source on TMDB