re:mote voices

Title:Innocence
Cast: Zoé Auclair, Bérangère Haubruge, Lea Bridarolli, Marion Cotillard, Hélène de Fougerolles, Laisson Lalieux
Director: Lucile Hadzihalilovic

A coffin sits on the floor. One by one a group of girls gather round. A key is produced. The coffin is opened. Inside lies a young girl. She opens her eyes to be greeted by strangers. Thus we are introduced to Iris, the newest member of House No.3.

In these dark woods there is a school. Around the school there are 5 houses. Each house has 7 girls. Each girl dresses entirely in white. Except for the ribbons that they wear in their hair. The colour of which indicates their age, and how long they have been in the school. From the youngest with red, to the oldest with violet.

Iris is taken under Bianca's wing - Bianca being house 3's violet - and we follow her as she learns to swim, to dance, and is taught about nature. Through Iris we experience an idea of innocence, this youngest child delighting in the world, while learning the rules. But is this the preservation of innocence or the shaping of young minds in someone else's mould? The girls are told of rules, and are forbidden from leaving, tempering an idyllic setting.

As the film unfolds we travel through the school year. Experiencing the introduction of a new girl to a new school. Witnessing the jealousy from the girl who used to be new and mentored towards the girl who she has passed the red ribbons too. Progressing to the girl with the blue ribbons, who will be visited by the mysterious head mistress, and from the class of blue, one will be chosen. On to violet, the end of a cycle, the culmination of mystery.

Innocence is done in such a way that the viewer is not entirely sure what is happening. Are events really innocent? There is an undercurrent to the film, which doesn't necessarily make for comfortable viewing. Though perhaps that is a comment on society and how it shapes us to expect some kind of corruption? At no time does anything "bad" really happen to the girls in the film, though there is misfortune. At the same time Innocence clings to ambiguity, and nowhere is this more so than in it's ending.

As a result Innocence splits viewers. Some will find that Innocence is a slow, French film that reminds of The Village, but where nothing actually happens. While others will enjoy the cinematography and the delivery of a fairy tale. Then there are those who will argue that it is either a feminist film or a film that sets back feminism. Though what you make of Innocence depends what you read into events. Which is no doubt as idea that would make director Lucile Hadzihalilovic, her previous work being alongside controversial director Gaspar Noe who she dedicates this film to in the end.