The French have a wonderful knack of making perfectly formed films about relationships and Joachim Lafosse's, 'L'économie du Couple' (After Love) is a classic example of the genre.
An intelligent, middle-class couple, with two children, living in a tasteful, elegant home appear to have it all. But after 15 years together, love has deserted their marriage, to be replaced by bitterness, recrimination and hatred.
This is a remarkable fly on the wall glimpse at the disintegration of a marriage and the complexities of letting go. Superbly acted by Cédric Kahn and the astonishing Bérénice Bejo - so outstanding in 'Le passé' (2013 directed by Asghar Farhadi) a few years back.
Bérénice Bejo in 'Le passé' (2013)
Belgian director Joachim Lafosse handles the film with such assurance, sensitivity, understanding and believability that you become totally immersed in this families painful transformation in their lives.
Having been through an almost identical scenario some years back I can vouch for its authenticity.
By no means happy viewing but a beautifully constructed piece of cinema. And as with so many French films is subtly underscored with some beautiful solo piano Bach.
Watch the trailer here.