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After a few detours, French boys rise to the occasion of cheese-making in ‘Holy Cow’

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The vibrant entrance of the debut film “Holy Cow,” directed by Louise Courvoisier from France, is a cheerful introduction. Upon the puzzling view of a calf in the front seat of a small car, we journey with a sturdy man carrying a keg through bustling fairgrounds teeming with people and animals. The story then focuses on Totone (Clément Faveau), a drunken, flushed-faced teenager eager to climb onto a table and disrobe in response to mocking spectators.

In simpler terms, “Comté,” a beautiful, mountainous region, is a secluded area known for meticulous work, particularly with the well-cared-for Montbéliarde cows. The farmers’ children, who are lively and enjoy partying, appear to be the ones requiring discipline. The film’s main character, played by debut actor Faveau, seems destined for a tough life lesson. However, the movie, much like the old cheese-making process depicted throughout, blends elements of a Les Blank documentary with a Dardennes brothers drama, creating its unique taste and feel as the protagonist goes through various stages of boiling, curdling, and cooling. Thus, “Holy Cow” develops its distinct flavor.

In a nutshell, Totone’s daily routine, accompanied by friends Jean-Yves (Mathis Bernard) and Francis (Dimitry Baudry), revolves around seeking short-lived pleasures such as drinking, dancing, flirting with women, vomiting, passing out, waking up, laughing about it, then repeating. He has some understanding of the hard work and dedication required in his father’s profession. However, he only truly comprehends its significance to their livelihood when his father’s late-night drinking leads to a fatal car accident, leaving Totone to care for his younger sister, Claire (Luna Garret). Selling off farm equipment doesn’t suffice, and it’s challenging to maintain employment at another family’s dairy when the boss’ sons are his nighttime adversaries, readily instigating fights at even the slightest provocation.

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However, upon discovering that his area’s cheese similar to Gruyère could potentially earn him 30,000 euros from a competition, Totone is motivated, with the assistance of his friends, to rejuvenate his family’s cheese-making business and create a contest-winning Comté cheese. Yet, he inadvertently creates more problems for himself when he begins courting Marie-Lise, a novice dairy farmer portrayed by the talented newcomer Maïwène Barthelemy. While he undeniably likes her, he also seeks proximity to steal the premium milk from her cows.

It’s Marie-Lise, the determined, diligent, and straightforward individual, who takes the lead in establishing her relationship with Totone. This portrayal of her assertiveness challenges traditional stereotypes, offering a refreshing depiction of a woman making her mark in today’s world, much like the farmer’s daughter from the classic tale can now simply be the farmer herself.

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that the screenwriter-director ingeniously intertwines the relationship between Marie-Lise and Totone’s formidable adversaries by making them siblings. This seemingly random connection becomes pivotal in portraying the small-town authenticity, where everyone seems to be connected in some way or another. The dramatic tension that arises from impulses and shortcuts adds depth to the narrative.

The director’s upbringing in agricultural villages mirrors the settings of her film, lending an air of realism. Her rhythmic storytelling echoes the vibrant yet tranquil pulse of rural life, with cinematographer Elio Balézeaux skillfully framing this world in captivating widescreen shots. The visuals seamlessly transition between intimate human interactions and breathtaking expansive landscapes, creating a compelling visual symphony that resonates deeply with me as a film lover.

Holy Cow” primarily focuses on exploring the rapid transition into maturity without any bias or melodrama. The French, renowned for their exceptional cheeses and fine cognac, excel at this type of narrative as well. In this story, we witness Totone gradually learning to control his distractibility and confront his long-suppressed sorrow with a newfound sense of purpose and duty – traits that hint at growing up. The balance between commitment, timing, and patience results in an enjoyable tale of maturity.

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2025-04-05 00:01

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