Jumbo

Zoé Wittock is already known for "Portrait d'une jeune fille en feu" which also features the main actress Noémie Merlant.

I loved Jumbo and the objectophily is treated with as much respect and sensitivity as Zoé could. Jeanne is shy and fragile, different than the others schoolgirls like her, and she gradually feels spellbound by this big attraction, which she calls Jumbo. Jumbo is full of lights and it's a pretty intense attraction so Jumbo can actually make her feel something than nothing else can. So the emotional aspect is not just totally inside Jeanne's head ; there is also Jumbo's part, and even some surnatural, maybe symbolic animation from the object, but it's very poetic and discrete. I love the way this was handled, with much parcimony. There is a clear message at the end, an incentive to make us respect this special sexuality that really isn't bothering any one except the most narrow-minded. Jeanne only asks one thing, to be left alone and spend some time with Jumbo, but somehow this is too much to ask the whole society is despising her, it's really frustrating to watch, with still a positive shift at the end. There is even interesting aesthetics and photography, with the sensuality between Jeanne and Jumbo, without ever falling into graphic sexuality. It's subtle and beautiful. We must salute the director's initiative because this is a very touchy subject and she went all-in to propose us something new, something original and different. This is what I want to see in cinema. Anyone can appreciate this, I recommend.