“Scarlet” is a French film that tells the story of Raphaël, a soldier returning home after World War I, who discovers that his wife has died and left him with their baby, Juliette. The film explores the different stages of their lives, the challenges they face, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into their world and the various communities that surround them, from their small town to the booming cities and social unrest of larger cities.
Director Pietro Marcello, known for his adaptation of Jack London’s novel “Martin Eden,” takes a bold narrative approach in “Scarlet.” While the film is based on the novel “Scarlet Sails” by Russian writer Alexander Grin, Marcello has innovatively added new layers to the story. Among his new takes, he puts emphasis on the father-daughter relationship, portrayed by Raphaël Thiéry and Juliette Jouan, who plays the daughter at different ages throughout the film.
The film opens with somber colorized documentary footage of postwar scenes, creating a mood of melancholy. The mournful tune of bells accompanies the images before transitioning into the crackling sounds of old films. After the opening sequence, Raphaël strides across a field, heavily limping as he makes his way towards his village. The scene serves as an entrance onto a stage, signaling Raphaël and Juliette’s new life journey.
Over the course of the story, there are moments of kindness and violence, rejection, and perseverance. Nevertheless, the enduring strength of their affection, the rooted sense of place and their humanity helps them overcome these challenges.
