DoubleMaitre

This is one of those rare times the stars align for us to experience an oeuvre of immense depth. Absolutely shattering. Connell and Marianne are extremely endearing characters, the realism of which transpire from Paul Mescal's and Daisy Edgar-Jones's every look, every move, every word. Their conversations convey certain emotions that cannot be reduced to the words uttered. The soundtrack is heartbreaking - keep your Shazam handy. This is a standard story that could have made a very average show or movie. Yet experiencing Normal People has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has taken me back to the vulnerability of the first love. The unconditional one that made us and then broke us. The one we have since either longed for or avoided at all cost.

The movie is inherently nostalgic and melancholic. It is beautiful nonetheless. A perfect illustration of the fact that there are no closures because nothing is ever really over.

The movie is heartfelt, and you can tell it's the product of Mark Duplass's personal experience, of what happened or maybe of what he wished had happened.

I will say, however, that the reasons why this movie is not on par with, say, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind, are twofold.

The first is the dialogues. Most of the time they are okay, but probably a bit lacking in depth or ingenuity.

The other is Marks Duplass's personal performance. It was not terrible but I feel like someone else could have done the job better. Something about him is not entirely convincing. My issue with his personae is somehow the same issue I had with the dialogues: it's in this grey area between the unsaid and the said too much.

Overall, this is a good movie, and you should watch it. It will make you think, and, perhaps more importantly, it will make you feel.

I live in Paris and I accidentally ran into Wes Anderson on my way back from the office a few months ago. I am a devoted fan to the extent that I completely froze and could not utter a single word to him; I simply stood there, smiling at him stupidly.

You get the picture (pun unintended): I had been awaiting this movie for so long. Like many other fans, watching a good Wes Anderson movie feels like an out-of-body experience. For a couple of hours, you are not the person you are, you do not lead the normal life you lead. Instead, you're in the Wes Anderson Universe.

While most people consider the visual aspect of Wes Anderson's movie as the most quintessential, I consider that the general feeling his movies will leave you in is his most important trademark. The fans of The Royal Tenenbaums, Darjeeling Limited and Life Aquatic will know all too well what I am talking about. The movies are just so heartwarming; hardships, loss and betrayal happen, but people ultimately find a way to their loved ones. Even if it's not perfect. It's like real life, but better.

Alas, Wes Anderson did not deliver on this front with Asteroid City. Just as he did not with the French Dispatch. The movie is visually stunning, but I just expect something else from Wes Anderson. To take me away for one hour and forty-five minutes. That did not happen. The characters are not endearing; the soundtrack is subpar; and the storyline is mildly entertaining.

Maybe we rely too heavily on Wes. Maybe that is a responsibility he should not have to bear. Hopefully, I will run into him again. Only this time I will be able to strike a conversation and show him my "Accidentally Wes Anderson" photo collection.