New English version, by Savi Gabizon himself, of his Israeli feature film, Longing never really convinces.
Daniel (Richard Gere) is a busy businessman. His ex, Rachel (Suzanne Clément), nevertheless manages to sit him down for five minutes to reveal the unthinkable: she had a son by him named Allen. And he died in a car accident.
Obviously, Daniel rushes to Allen’s funeral in Ontario. And despite his desire not to give too much time to this offspring he never knew, he plunges into his life, told by his girlfriend Lillian (Jessica Clement), his French teacher Alice (Diane Kruger) as well as as Mickey (Wayne Burns), his best friend.
Some scenes are surprising and shocking, such as that of Alice’s surreal masturbation or the way in which Daniel receives the news of his son’s existence. Is this why we never really agree with the proposal? Maybe it’s also that none of the characters are really likeable – Daniel is smug, Allen was a drug dealer, Rachel’s motivations are incomprehensible, none of the stories are relatable. and subplots presented.
This Longing, which means missing someone, is intended to be an emotional drama. Unfortunately, apart from a few super polished shots as well as the impeccable plasticity of Richard Gere despite his 74 years, the result is far from conclusive. Damage.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
