Review of Water Lilies (2007) by André Ø — 09 Apr 2008

Water lilies is an artfully-directed drama about the awkward experiences of adolescent teenage sexuality. Set during a hot summer in suburban France, we learn about a turbulent love quadrangle involving three girls and a boy, all of whom congregate regularly at the local swimming pool, with various motives.

As passions and desires boil over, and unrequited love inflicts its cruel pain, we are reminded of the emotional fragility of teenage life. Water Lilies looks and sounds beautiful- the soundtrack is dramatic, reminiscent of Air or Sebastien Tellier in their darker moments, while the director, Celine Sciamma, shows maturity in the sensitive way she portrays the main characters.

All in all, Water Lilies is more of an aesthetic than dramatic success, but this minor criticism shouldn't divert lovers of edgy European arthouse cinema from giving it their full attention.