Emma Peeters

“EMMA PEETERS” IS A WOMAN TO REMEMBER EVEN THOUGH SHE’S ? MADE UP…REVIEW OF THE 88 MIN FEATURE FILM ABOUT HER SCREENED AT RAINDANCE 27^TH FILM FESTIVAL 2019.

Nicole Palo is the Belgian/American writer who penned this dark yet light serious yet funny saga about young wannabe actress going nowhere Emma Peeters. The budget Nicole finally raised was a staggering 1.4 million Euros and it took seven years’ graft to get her screenplay to the silver screen. The film was completed in 2018 and has been at a few festivals including Edinburgh and Venice before it came to Raindance.

The film is in French with English subtitles. It was filmed mainly in Belgium with a cachet that the story took place in Paris. A French/Canadian actress Monia Chokri who is mixed race Tunisian takes the part of Emma Peeters and is very good in the role. Her love interest Alex is played by Fabrice Adde and her friend played by Stephanie Crayencour. If by reading reviews or scanning posters you think you can get a good idea of a story, don’t expect to do this with Emma Peeters. It does not follow formula except for the “happy ending”. In between stuff is a bit “off the rails”!

Apparently it was turned down not only by industry pros but also by actresses before the charismatic Chokri came on board. Nicole Palo does agree as the creator of this work that her own life does mirror it in some ways…the struggling female creator desperately vying for recognition and the very negative psychological issues which emanate from this journey in life.

Some of the funding did come from Canada so it is hoped they are satisfied with the results. Fabrice Adde is a good actor and partner to the flawed Emma Peeters and is droll yet somewhat sexy and caring and intelligent in his role.

If and when you see this film please don’t expect an experience that is mostly positive and uplifting. But that can be said for crime, action, and sci fi too. So …if you want a take on the undercover side of those struggling for recognition and the effecs it can have on their self esteem, dive in. However don’t whatever you do “follow suit” – no way would that be acceptable.

One last comment. The cat is so cute it must have a mention. If animals could talk, this one would have a few comments. A well cast cat which is as unusual as its owner. I bet actually you’ve never seen a cat really like this one before…now theres a reason to see Emma Peeters – well we ALL love animals. Joking aside. See the film and feel for the characters but imitation is not an option. Learn.

ENJOY

Penny Nair Price