It is against a backdrop of jazz and Franco-American landscapes that Swing Rendez-Vous speaks to us about love: of oneself, of others and of life. We follow the journey of Theodore (narrated in English by a sweet voice) in his reconstruction as he sets out to find the score of a legendary melody that would have the power to make anyone who hears him madly in love.
A blush theme
Love, love, love… It is one of the most universal subjects that exist, especially in cinema. It is around him that Swing Rendez-Vous revolves, bringing multiple reflections. In various tones, from the downright absurd humorous to the more posed dramatic, he highlights several situations through all his characters: the obsessive crush, the couple about to get married, the old relationship that leaves sequelae, the new hypothetical relationship… In a kind of existentialism presented lightly, all these characters in full questioning are the reflection of all aspects of such a complex subject. With the bonus of Franco-American cinematographic inspirations borrowed from romanticism such as musicals where we can find Gene Kelly or Parisian films of the mid-20th century, the main subject of the film is treated on several levels and in the greatest of reflections mixed with a sacred entertainment.
Visceral sincerity
The greatest strength of Swing Rendez-Vous is undoubtedly the sincerity that emanates from it. By its subject of course, but also through a staging that seems not to forbid anything and have fun at will. Short animation sequences to represent certain situations, an omnipresent voice-over in English… And many surprises that make this film the little pearl of creativity that it is. It is also this sincerity that brings its few clumsiness of editing and sometimes framing. Awkwardness very present but easily forgivable in view of what emerges Swing Rendez-Vous in its entirety. Moreover, we can also salute the performance of the actors and their alchemy that helps this said sincerity and the amazing and exciting cameos of French public figures. We have to admit: it's good to see films that are absolutely not restrained from a creative point of view and from which emanate such a strong authenticity.
Rhythm in the skin
As its title suggests, Swing Rendez-Vous bases much of its artistic direction on its music and rhythm. Through his journey to find the miraculous score that would make anyone fall in love, Theodore is confronted with an entire musical landscape. Throughout the film we hear jazz and swing pieces, most of them softly performed by Tatiana Eva-Marie who plays the role of the singer Maria. We meet musician characters whose whole life revolves around music and who are transported by their passion. The rhythm of the film is also one of his strengths, and it was crucial that it was in such a musical film. We are carried away with ease in this world often considered not easily accessible. Swing Rendez-Vous is a nice surprise of this beginning of the year 2023. Authentic, creative, exciting, funny but also surprising… We can only recommend it. A beautiful ode to love and all its facets. In theaters January 11.
