Every cinematic experience requires suspension of disbelief, and the provocative, entertaining “Who You Think I Am” asks for it in a few ways. First, that the staggeringly beautifulcould ever be deemed unworthy by a man of any age, and second, that this film’s increasingly outlandish twists hold up under close scrutiny.
Binoche stars as Claire Millaud, a fiftysomething woman who director Safy Nebbou and co-writer Julie Peyr follow in two timelines. In the present day, Claire faces off against her new psychologist, Dr. Catherine Bormans , toward whom she is first chillily resistant . But Dr. Bormans’ refusal to be pushed around earns Claire’s crooked half-smile of respect. “Who You Think I Am” then jumps backward nearly a year as Claire recounts her relationship with a twentysomething lover named Ludo .
After her divorce, her ex-husband’s new relationship and her two sons growing up into middle and high schoolers, Claire struggles to desire and feel desired. But the sex she’s having with Ludo doesn’t signal a deep connection — at least not on his part. He’s casually cruel to her before ghosting her on social media, and Claire is deeply hurt by his abandonment.
Smartly, “Who You Think I Am” doesn’t absolve Claire of her choices — but it also resists a didactic reduction of Claire’s character. Binoche’s performance, which is built subtly on head tilts, eyebrow raises and pursed lips, masterfully conveys the character’s initial spontaneity at forming a bond with Alex, then her eventual slide into fixation and self-doubt.
Binoche has excellent chemistry with both Garcia’s struggling-to-stay-neutral Dr. Bormans and Civil’s puppy-dog-eyed Alex, and the trio’s intuitive grasp of these characters elevates the film’s somewhat predictable wariness toward the potential anonymity of social media.
Great actress! 'Chocolat' , 'Clouds of Sils Maria'
Juliette Binoche rules.
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