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3

lots of interesting ingredients - it's an empty world within those grey school walls and Renate Reinsve certainly is a shining delight as woman with her own head & histrionics moving in the space within these relics of a failed educational policy.

all in all Armand feels like a missed chance for a delicate social critique though, cause somehow where the film heads to doesn't seem like a good fit: the themes of jealousy and desires are only claims, the swing towards the experimental cinema is an awkward one (and rather looks like an acting exercise). somehow Tøndel's debut falls apart by trying to break out of his chamber play restrictions.

3

From the opening frames, it's obvious why Armand won the Camera d’Or at Cannes.  It's gorgeously shot, and the score is lovely and the performances are strong, it's a treat to watch.  Unfortunately, I don't think there's a shred of believability in either the logical or emotional journey of the narrative, which undermines the film for me.  And why were a couple of interpretative dances thrown in? Such a weird clash of styles.  Overall, a very frustrating watch.

2

there’s a 90 minute masterpiece in there somewhere but renate love u queeeeen

Review by Sam Rosenberg ★★

Takes forever to end and devolves into surreal psychodrama shtick when it runs out of things to say/do. Obsessed with Renate’s red raincoat and triple hoop earrings tho.

2

Not only did I get to sit near Renate Reinsve but I also got to meet her and she was crying and shaking from the long and cheery standing ovation for her when we talked and took a selfie and she was hoping her make up was okay 😭.

She gave an acting masterclass and I’m so happy for her and Hafden who confidently goes for a symbolic critique on how adults handle children conflicts at school . I said to Renate that I loved her in The Worst Person in the World and how amazing she was in that 10 minute scene in this film. Also mentioned I hope that she gets that dream role with PTA someday and…

Review by aurora ꨄ ★★★★

raincoat buttoned to the TOP

1

joker: folie à school

Review by Ewan Graf ★★★

Starts off very solid but loses itself in the second half

Review by teamgal ★★★½

When the parent/teacher conference turns into a witch trial/dance-off.

Review by sashalemon98 ★★

This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

Review by B E R T ★★★½ Liked

Renate Reinsve is part of my roster of “will watch everything” and she hasn’t let me down yet. A fascinating psychological drama that takes some big swings in the second half, it becomes maybe a touch too much towards the end, but overall, very very good.

Shortlisted in the Best Foreign Language category at the Oscars. I hope it gets the nomination.

Review by CinemaCollect ★★★★ Liked

An exceptional thriller that takes place in one location. The film may run longer than it should, but there's no denying that Renate Reinsve gives one of the best performances of the year. It is unpredictable and will keep you guessing until the very end.

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