André Téchiné‘s new film is a subtle and sophisticated work that has the feel of a complex and intricate thriller but without the expected sensational climaxes and revelations. The solutions to the mysteries that arise are more like answers to the questions of life, and sometimes, of course, there are no answers, or at least none that are are clear or certain in the moment. The ambiguities of plot and the interiority of the acting contrast with the images of Venice, which are gorgeously crisp and intoxicatingly clear. If I have a serious reservation about UNFORGIVABLE it relates to the ending, which is of a type that was brave and anti-formulaic when first we saw it, but which now is just another type of formula. I won’t say what it is, in case anyone is planning on seeing the film, but if you do go, I’m pretty sure you’ll know what I mean when you see it.

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