Respire is a French foreign language film and the second feature film directed by renowned actress Mélanie Laurent.
The film showcases standout performances from the two young teenage leads as well as a very compelling storyline.
Respire hones in on a multitude of issues revolving around teenage relationships, bullying and social manipulation.
Synopsis
Respire follows the story of Charlie, a teenage girl living in a typical suburban town in France. The 17 year-old lives quite a simple, unperturbed life. But all of this changes when the new girl Sarah moves into town. The two quickly become friends and seem to be attached at the hip.
Initially the two seem like an odd pair as Charlie is a shy, quiet, by the book type of girl. Whereas Sarah is an animated, over-the-top extrovert.
Sarah loves being the centre of attention and brings Charlie out of her shell. As they become closer, they do almost everything together and do everything prototypical teenagers dream about. But when things seems to be going perfectly well the script is flipped on its head.
Their relationship turns toxic when Sarah becomes very manipulative towards Charlie. Leading to many serious consequences, unseen by parental eyes.
From that point on Respire turns into something of a psychological thriller highlighting how power and insecurity can take control over someone's life unbeknownst to others.
Important Themes
The film touches on many issues concentrating on adolescence and finding your own identity.
Bullying and power-relationships are heavily highlighted in the film and speak to how some new forms of bullying are taking form.
A British study found that at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying. And that 10 to 14 year old girls are the most prone demographic to commit suicide due to bullying.
Moreover, statistics for bullying and suicide rates some share alarming figures.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in 4,400 more deaths every year. As well as noting that over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, with almost 7 percent attempting it.
Additionally, according to a Yale University study bullying victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims.
Of course, with technology changing and the prevalence of social media, cyber-bullying is also on the rise.
In France, government estimates state that about 700,000 French students experience bullying at school each year.
More and more is being done by national governments to help both understand the issue and improve conditions.
In 2014, the French government began a concentrated effort to address the problem of bullying in French schools through new initiatives, increased bullying information, and by establishing a national emergency helpline that children can use to report bullying and seek assistance.
Conclusion
At first, Respire seems to be a typical film about two girls growing into themselves during their last years in high school.
But the abrupt and unnerving change in tone, behaviour and plot sees the film shine. The character Sarah illustrates this quite impressively with unnerving seduction and vigour.
Respire is quite left of center compared to many films set on the topic of bullying and manipulation. In that it explores how an ordinary relationship can quickly turn into something very possessive and destructive.
Respire is quite a unique film that will entice you. As you watch just how easily circumstances and people can change your own grasp on reality.
