All Your Faces (2023): review

Jeanne Herry's All Your Faces offers a thoughtful look at restorative justice. In a structured, professionally supported setting, people affected by crimes and people who have committed them enter into dialogue. Herry approaches this sensitive subject with empathy and intelligence.

Encounters after crime

The film follows Grégoire, Nawelle, Sabine and Chloé, whose shared experience is that they have been victims of crime. Participation in restorative-justice measures becomes the starting point for an emotional journey. Adèle Exarchopoulos, Gilles Lellouche and the ensemble give impressive performances that draw us into the characters' feelings.

Closeness without voyeurism

Herry, whose earlier film In Safe Hands also addressed a difficult social subject, has an eye for detail and a fine sensitivity to emotional differences. Her direction carefully balances closeness and distance. We can become deeply involved in these stories without feeling that their pain is being turned into voyeuristic spectacle.

Restrained images and music

Nicolas Loir's restrained cinematography supports the narrative by putting the characters and their emotional lives first. Small nuances carry considerable weight. Pascal Sangla's music contributes to the atmosphere without overwhelming the action or distracting from the conversations.

An invitation to dialogue

All Your Faces is an invitation to think about dialogue, healing and understanding in society. Its subject extends beyond the conversations on screen and opens questions about how people can respond to the lasting effects of crime.

Verdict

All Your Faces is a touching, thought-provoking experience. Jeanne Herry again demonstrates her ability to approach important subjects with respect, depth and artistic integrity. This is a film that stays with you.