A timely, seasonal re-release for Eric Rohmer's thoroughly distinctive take on the beach teen movie.
Philosophising, guitar-playing Gaspard (Melvil Poupaud) shows up at the Brittany seaside, and in no time flat finds himself ping-ponging between three impressively articulate girls: waitress Margot (Amanda Langlet); direct and assured eye-candy Solène (Gwenaëlle Simon); and self-involved Lena (Aurelia Nolin).
Some of Rohmer's trademark extended discussion scenes perhaps go on a little long, but there's a wonderful unforced naturalness about every moment of this film. Deploying the same ingredients as any conventional teen flick, Rohmer manages to conjure up adolescent awkwardness that's a long way from The Breakfast Club.