Stephane (2021)

Filmmakers Timotheé Hochet and Lucas Pastor bring us their French production, Stéphane. The entire film is in French, with English subtitles provided.

If you're hoping for a traditional found-footage style story that ramps up in excitement after a slow start, you'll probably be disappointed. This story is filmed using the found-footage style, but it doesn't have the typical resolution. In addition, it doesn't explain how the story's different aspects all fit together at the end.

I would never encourage you to miss out on a film just because it has subtitles. Some of the best, most terrifying, and most surprising horror films come from countries where subtitles are necessary. However, I understand that subtitles can pose a unique challenge. Sometimes, you may miss some of the film's subtle nuances and lose parts of the story.

The movie introduces us to an amateur filmmaker, Tim, who is looking to progress and enter his 4th short film into an upcoming film festival. Tim hopes his movie will be well-received by the festival's organizers and help him take his filmmaking career to the next level.

Tim plans to shoot a modern spy thriller by enlisting the help of friends to play multiple roles. While setting up a shot, Stéphane wanders into the frame, seemingly unaware that a film is being filmed. This initiates a discussion between the two.

As soon as Stéphane enters, he starts casually pulling information from Tim about the project. Finally, he states that he is in the industry and has done stunt work, which could potentially improve the project. Timotheé then changes his attitude towards Stéphane and thinks about how he could benefit from his presence.

As they continue talking, they keep giving each other approval and building up Tim as a visionary genius.

The short film is set during World War II, with a central love story involving an American GI and a Nazi officer. Stéphane brings in an actress who appears unable to speak and is kept in the dark room overnight.

It seems like the writers of this show are deliberately choosing to subvert traditional story tropes, hinting at a dark turn that never actually comes.

Stephane's behavior can vary greatly depending on the situation. He can be charming and funny and then turn hostile and sulky the next. There are also hints of violence lurking beneath the surface.

As the production continues, Tim decides he can do two films, one being the war film he was working on and the other a secret documentary on his new film ally. Tim is warned not to do this, but he does it anyway.

The film's end finally delivers on the early promises of a traditional chase and capture, leading to a final part where Tim must take action to survive. His decisions will affect him for the rest of his life.

No matter how smart or determined we are, we can all be influenced into making changes, especially if the right incentive is offered. It can be challenging to tell when we're being manipulated, but it's usually only after it's too late that we realize it.

Tim is convinced by the prospect of fame and fortune to pursue a career in filmmaking. He believes that he has what it takes to be a great director and is driven by the validation that successful directors receive.

This story is compelling and has a lot going for it. The way the two main characters are portrayed is moving and drives the story forward.

Bastien Garcia does an excellent job as Timotheé, and Lucas Pastor does great work as Stéphane.

The film Stéphane is often a tense and suspenseful drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You may find yourself waiting for something to happen, such as a jump or shock, that is typical of the found footage genre.

It's essential to manage your expectations, as it's more about tension and psychological manipulation than outright scares or sinister twists. However, don't let that dissuade you from watching it – it's still a great show. Just be prepared for something a little different than what you might be expecting. This film is worth the watch if you're patient enough to wait until the end. The plot takes a while to unfold, but it's worth it in the end.